During the hot temperatures of summer, your AC unit has received a lot of use. Did you know your vehicle’s A/C system is vital year-round? Lots of drivers think that the A/C is strictly for cooling air in the summertime. In fact, it is just as vital for the cold and rainy seasons as well.
A vehicle’s A/C system consists of 5 major parts, all working together to cool you off in summer, and to keep you warm and dry in winter. These major parts include the:
- Compressor
- Condenser
- Receiver dryer or Accumulator
- Orifice Tube or Expansion valve
- Evaporator
Your A/C system also consists of hoses and refrigerant charging ports, but the significant work occurs in the five parts listed above.
Why is the AC so important all year long?
- For cold air: Refrigerant is compressed in the compressor and turns into a hot gas. In the condenser, this hot gas is cooled to a liquid state and travels to the expansion valve. As the Freon goes through the expansion valve it returns to a low-pressure gas and quickly cools in the evaporator. A fan blows over the evaporator and cools the air that ultimately blows out your vents.
- For warm air: Hot engine coolant is circulated through a small radiator, called a heater core. A fan in front of the heater core blows cold external air over the fins. As this air travels over the warmer core, it heats up and becomes the hot air which blows out your warmer vents. If the heater core becomes congested with rust, you will no longer have heat. Also, if they're a small leak in the heater core, the passenger cabin can get steamy with fogged-up windows, or you may smell coolant.
If you have not already scheduled an auto AC service, make sure to do so before winter arrives. The benefits include increased gas mileage, a more environmentally-friendly vehicle, and a more relaxed drive.
So, what does car ac service include? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Auto Max of Oregon today for more information about auto AC service and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Canby, OR and surrounding areas.
