Car air conditioners are associated primarily with summer and heat. Nevertheless, the onset of cold weather is not a reason to forget about them until next summer. On the contrary, it is necessary to properly prepare the air conditioner for winter and periodically turn it on during this period to take care of its reliable operation in the future.
Why winter "vacations" for a car air conditioner are not only unnecessary, but even harmful?
The fact is that the components of the air conditioning system need lubrication. It is a refrigerant circulating through the pipes of the air conditioner. If the system is idle and idle, the thin oil film flows down, leaving the parts unprotected. The next time it is turned on, the system will run "dry" for some time, which threatens its parts with premature failure due to increased friction and contamination with debris particles.
What an air conditioner can be useful for in winter?
Of course, there is no need to cool the air in frosts. However, with the help of an air conditioner, you can solve other pressing seasonal problems: for example, fogging of windows. In closed circulation mode (that is, without air intake from the outside), it quickly dehumidifies the air in the cabin, and along with excess moisture, unnecessary condensation disappears.
How often should the air conditioner be turned on in winter? Experts recommend doing this at least once a month, and even better every 2-3 weeks. Not necessarily for a long time, a few minutes are enough for the lubricant layer to be restored on the parts of the air conditioning system. But most importantly, do not forget to warm up the air in the cabin with the help of a heater before turning on the air conditioner, otherwise it simply will not start.
Why does the air conditioner refuse to turn on in the cold?
To do this, it is enough for the temperature in the cabin to drop just below zero degrees. True, this happens not so much due to the fault of the "minus" overboard, but due to a drop in the pressure of freon in the system, which, in accordance with the laws of physics, makes itself felt precisely in cold weather and is "treated" by refuelling the air conditioner. Even a fully functional system loses an average of 10% of its volume per year. If its tightness is broken for some reason (dried and cracked sealing rubber bands are enough), these losses will be even more noticeable. And if in the heat the pressure is maintained at a sufficient level due to the high ambient temperature, then in cold weather the lack of freon levels becomes obvious.
It is necessary to fill the car air conditioner with refrigerant once every 1-2 years, and in the conditions of a service station, since specialised equipment is used for this. In addition to small services specialising in the maintenance of air conditioners, the same services are provided by many large car repair shops. As an example, we can cite the Bosch Auto Service network. Its main advantage is the ability to perform all types of seasonal car maintenance in one place and on high-quality equipment from a reputable world manufacturer.
How to prepare an air conditioner for winter? This is the best time to arrange a "spring cleaning" for the air conditioning system. If this is not done, bacteria and fungi will begin to multiply in dust, pollen, debris particles and other unpleasant surprises that get into the radiators and filters of the air purification system along with the air from the street. As a result, the very first spring turning on the air conditioner instead of pleasant freshness will give you a completely different feeling.
Many motorists try to solve the problem of unpleasant odour in the cabin by using special antiseptic sprays. But they are better suited as a preventive measure and do not save from all problems. So, if the drainage hole of the evaporator is clogged, it cannot be cleaned with a spray. Therefore, once or twice a year, the air conditioner needs to be cleaned, and the cabin filters (another barrier to unpleasant odours and harmful particles in your car and your lungs) need to be changed.
By following these simple rules, you can not only be sure that your air conditioner will overwinter safely and help you meet spring and warmth with pleasure.