Air conditioning in a car is comfortable, especially on hot days. However, in order for it to work flawlessly, it requires regular servicing, including replenishing the coolant. Why is it so important?
How does air conditioning work?
Car air conditioning uses a coolant that circulates in a closed system. This gas, under high pressure, absorbs heat from the car's interior and releases it outside, cooling the air.
How often should air conditioning be serviced?
- It is recommended to service the air conditioning every 1-2 years. This is the standard period in which the level of the coolant can drop enough to feel the difference in cooling efficiency. However, the frequency of servicing depends on several factors:
- Annual mileage of the car: cars that travel long distances may require more frequent servicing than those used mainly in the city.
Technical condition of the system: older cars or those with leaks will lose the coolant faster than new, tight systems.
Symptoms of a coolant deficiency:
- Fogged windows: air conditioning dries the air. If your windows are steaming up, this could indicate a problem with the system.
- Poor cooling: The air conditioning is not cooling as intensely as it should.
- Longer cooling time: The system needs more time to cool the interior.
- Noise from the system: A lack of refrigerant can cause the compressor to work under greater load, generating additional noise.
- Short compressor on/off cycles: The compressor may frequently turn on and off in short cycles when the refrigerant level is low.
Summary
Regular air conditioning servicing, including topping up the refrigerant every 1-2 years, is key to its smooth operation and driving comfort. Regular inspections also help avoid costly repairs in the future. If you notice the symptoms described, do not delay visiting a specialist.