How to turn on cold air in the car. How to properly use your car air conditioner. Air conditioner maintenance

Often in a modern car, air conditioning is provided as standard. Many drivers believe that its operation does not require special skills, compliance with special rules. After all, no one thinks about how the refrigerator works in the house.

True, even a child knows that it is impossible to leave his door open. The wife is aware that the refrigerator needs to be defrosted periodically, and then cleaned. So when operating a car air conditioner, you should follow the rules for its use, because it is in much more stringent working conditions.

Features of the operation of a car air conditioner

The main features of the operation of a car air conditioner in comparison with household appliances include:

Mobility.

Any mobility in terms of movement on the ground, especially along Russian roads, is associated with increased mechanical loads. Constant shaking leads to increased mechanical stress, destruction of fasteners, and disruption of electrical contacts.

Remoteness of components.

Household air conditioner is a stationary bulky device, consisting of a maximum of three blocks. The refrigeration unit is usually made in one housing. The nodes of the automobile air conditioner are scattered in various parts of the engine compartment, interior. The control unit can generally be located in the luggage compartment. This creates problems in the operation of electrical equipment, the refrigerant transportation system.

Great performance.

Compared to a domestic refrigeration unit, the interior of a car is much larger than a refrigerator compartment. Household air conditioner has a large service area. However, it should be borne in mind that the stationary room is thermally insulated from the external environment, its average temperature is constant.

The presence of the possibility of dirt, dust, foreign objects and substances entering the system.

The air conditioner compressor, kinematic drive, tubes, hoses, radiator and other devices that are in the engine compartment can freely get dust, dirt, and moisture can be deposited. A foreign object can get into the working area of the fans, which will lead to its destruction.

Variety of climatic conditions.

Household appliances are usually found in domestic operating conditions, not subject to harsh climatic tests, as is the case in a car.

Poor thermal insulation.

The car has almost zero thermal insulation, especially in the engine compartment.

Sophisticated electronic control.

Very often, especially after a cold period of operation of the machine, the air conditioner does not turn on. Motorists, believing that this is due to a refrigerant leak, go to refuel it. There it is "refueled", but the air conditioner does not start again - a direct road to auto electricians. In many cases, it's best to visit an auto electrician right away. He will diagnose the performance of the system, the pressure level. Not always the inoperability of the air conditioner is associated with the departure of the refrigerant.

Lots of on-off cycles.

If, for example, the refrigerator is turned on and off from the network in five minutes, it will not even last a month. In the conditions of short trips by car around the city in the summer, this is exactly what happens.

If you put any household device of this purpose in place of a car air conditioner, it would finally fail within a year, no more.

Video - features of the air conditioner in the car:

How to use the air conditioner in the car

There are many tricks that help reduce the load on the car's air conditioning system, therefore, increase its service life:

1. When getting into a car whose interior is overheated in the summer heat, do not turn on the air conditioner immediately after starting the engine. It is necessary to open all the windows, start moving, ventilate the car a little naturally. At the same time, unpleasant odors of overheated interior elements will disappear at the same time. After that, you should turn on the air conditioner at full power, close the windows and the hatch. As the interior cools, reduce the power of the air conditioner.

Video - why before turning on the air conditioner in the car in the summer you should ventilate the interior:

2. Do not direct the flow of cooled air towards the driver, passengers and especially children. This is how you get colds. The most dangerous damage to the hearing.

3. Do not allow long breaks in the operation of the air conditioner. The refrigerant in the system is mixed with a special lubricant. During the operation of the air conditioner, the oil lubricates the friction elements of the compressor, wets the oil seals and gaskets. This increases their service life, prevents cracking and corrosion processes. If the car is in a long winter parking, it is necessary to periodically (preferably at least 2 times a month) perform the following procedure:

engine starting;
warming it up to a temperature of at least 50 degrees Celsius;
warming up the cabin for about 10 minutes;
turning on the average power of the air conditioning system.

4. If the air conditioner is turned on in the air recirculation mode in the car, you should not smoke in the cabin. The smoke, settling on the evaporator radiator, turns into a mixture, which will then emit a not very pleasant aroma.

5. Turn off the air conditioner a few minutes before the end of the trip. Next, it is better to start the stove for a couple of minutes, blow through the ventilation system at maximum speed. This operation will remove the condensate and prevent the formation of mold.

Is it possible to turn on the air conditioner in the car in winter

As described in paragraph 3 of the previous chapter, it is not only possible, but necessary. However, before turning on the air conditioner, follow the procedures described in this paragraph.

If during the movement one of the passengers becomes ill, you can turn on the air conditioner on a warm car. You must first turn on the system at minimum speed. This will develop fans. In this case, it is better to switch the blowing system to recirculation mode, so the load will decrease.

What are the signs that your car air conditioner is not working properly and needs service?

The main sign of the need to service the air conditioning system is a failure to turn on. In this case, it is better to first perform computer diagnostics, or even better, check all the fuses that service this system, then go to an auto electrician, and only if he detects a refrigerant leak, go to refuel the system.

Among the other most common signs of a malfunction of the air conditioning system in the car, there are:

the absence of a characteristic click of the electric clutch at the moment the air conditioner is turned on;
squeak of the compressor drive belt (tension loosening, foreign liquids and oils getting on the belt);
extraneous sounds of the compressor (development of the friction mechanism, wear of the bearing);
lack of air circulation, poor performance (deterioration of the cooler fan);
foreign odors when the blower is turned on.

All of the listed faults (with the exception of refueling) can be eliminated independently if you have experience in mechanical work. A detailed description of such work for a particular brand of car can be found on the Internet. This saves a lot of money.

The air conditioning system in your car needs to be serviced periodically. It is better to carry out maintenance work in the spring in order to be fully armed for warm days.

Video - how to check the air conditioner in the car yourself:

How is car air conditioning serviced?

In the case when there are no complaints about the operation of the compressor, periodic maintenance of the air conditioner in the car can be performed independently. The standard set of works includes:

cabin filter replacement. This operation is best done twice a year: before the summer and winter seasons;
cleaning the drainage system. The tray is under the cabin filter. Moisture and possible mold should be removed from it with a rag moistened with an alcohol-containing liquid. It is also necessary to check whether the outlet hose is clogged;
removal (purging) of dust from the cooler radiator. This operation can be performed using a compressor;
removal of contaminants from the radiator of the air conditioner, pipes, hoses, and other components of the system;
cleaning the compressor belt. Wipe the belt and pulley with a non-aggressive solvent;
lubrication of bushings of electric drives of fans. This procedure can be difficult. If the fan emits extraneous sounds during operation, it should be changed.

Video - self-cleaning the air conditioner evaporator in the car:.

Tired of moving on foot or on a cart, a person invented a car for himself. But here's the bad luck - in the hot summer season, the interior warms up so much that you feel like a sinner who has fallen into hell. It seems that everything around is melting: asphalt under the wheels of the car, brains in the head, and the air itself is just boiling. Involuntarily, thoughts about winter and snow come to mind.

Familiar situation? It's good that mankind invented the air conditioner. Most modern cars already have this device in the factory. You can also install it separately by contacting the service center. This device will give you comfort, even if outside the window the thermometer inexorably creeps up to the number "50". But do you know how to use this device as efficiently as possible? Let's try to clarify the situation.

Rules for using the air conditioner in the car

On a hot sunny day, it is almost impossible to travel by car. Hot air makes you feel worse. So it won’t take long to lose consciousness, which, of course, will lead to an accident. In hot weather, you need to use air conditioning. But how to use it correctly?

First of all, remember and make it a habit to park in areas that are in the shade. Of course, it will always be difficult to find such places, but if there is such an opportunity, then do not neglect it. It will not be superfluous to find out where the shadow is at a certain time. If the parking lot in the morning is brightly lit by the sun, then in the afternoon, most likely, it will be in the shade.

If you parked in an open area, be sure to close the windows with special protection. So you can reduce the heating of the cabin. If, despite the efforts, the car is still hot, do not rush to immediately reach for the air conditioning button. First, just ventilate the interior. Open the windows and drive a little. It is quite enough to pick up a speed of fifteen kilometers per hour, for example, by driving to the nearest store. During the movement, hot air will come out of the passenger compartment.

It’s not just about using your car air conditioner properly. It is very important to be able to turn it off correctly - then you definitely won’t have to puzzle over the strange behavior of the car when the cooling is turned on. In order for the device to maintain its performance for a long time, follow some simple tips:

When you arrive at your destination, do not rush to turn off the engine. This adversely affects the air conditioner.
When you stop, turn off the air conditioner first. Let the engine run for a while.
It will be much better if you turn off the air conditioner when you arrive at the stop. All the same, the air inside the cabin will be cool for a long time.
When you turn off the air conditioner, the fan should continue to work for a while. When the fan is off, the evaporator does not dry out. Fan operation allows the evaporator to dry out.

If this does not happen, then there is a high probability of the reproduction of various bacteria and even the appearance of moss. And this will inevitably lead to unpleasant odors in the cabin. And it will be very easy to catch a disease of the respiratory system. Do you need it?

The need for diagnostics

Like any technical device, air conditioning requires carefulto yourselfrelations. Periodically it is necessary to carry out its diagnostics and maintenance. Change filters regularly, keep an eye on the condition of the capacitor. If necessary, clean it with compressed air. Once a year, be sure to clean the air conditioner with antibacterial agents. Thus, you will avoid the situation of leakage when the device is running.

The refrigerant needs to be replaced periodically.

Important! The refrigerant must be changed only in special service centers. Attempting to do this yourself may damage the equipment.

How to reduce fuel consumption using air conditioning

Many motorists in the summer are wondering: does the fact that I turned on the air conditioner affect the amount of fuel used?

Given the fact that the air conditioning compressor is powered by an engine, it would be logical to assume that it takes some of the power. The conclusion is that when the air conditioner is running, fuel consumption increases.

Turning on the air conditioner while driving leads to increased fuel consumption. Additionally, about two liters are consumed for every hundred kilometers. Many factors affect the increase in fuel consumption when the device is running: car model, driving style, ambient temperature, number of passengers. If we take the average values, then up to half a liter of fuel is additionally burned per hour.

Compliance with some simple rules will allow you to economically spend car fuel, even if there is air conditioning:

If you are stuck in a traffic jam or move at low speed, it is better to refuse to use the air conditioner. Instead, open windows. On the track, having developed a high speed, close the windows and turn on the cooling.
The temperature that is set on the device should not be lower than the street temperature by more than five degrees. This will save fuel and save you from temperature fluctuations.
Do not turn on the air conditioning while parking. At idle, the engine increases its load, and therefore consumes excess fuel.

The efficient operation of the vehicle engine, as well as all its components and mechanisms, primarily depends on proper use. Especially when it comes to the climate system. In this article, we will tell you how to properly use the air conditioner and how this car unit can be kept clean.

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The principle of operation of a car air conditioner

Why the unit is needed, we will not explain, and it is clear that the air conditioning system contributes to a more comfortable driving. The principle of operation of a car air conditioner in a 12-volt network is quite simple - it is no different from the operation of a simple refrigerator. The unit itself, by its design, is a completely sealed system, where the electric air conditioner itself is the “heart”, and the consumables are the “blood”. The refrigerant is pumped along the entire line of the system, only here freon is in a gaseous state.

As the gas enters the condenser, it is converted to a liquid which is cooled by a fan. When it enters the dryer, the substance is cleaned of all kinds of debris and dirt, after which it enters the evaporator through the expansion valve, installed next to the control panel. A fan is installed next to the evaporator, which supplies air to the passenger compartment, so the air is cooled. Further, the liquid is transferred to the compressor, on this the circle of the system closes.

The air flow entering the cabin is dry thanks to the evaporator, where the consumable gives off all the moisture. Subsequently, this condensate leaves the system along with the filtered dirt.

Correct use

How to use the air conditioner correctly? It is necessary to use the air conditioner for the car wisely in order to prevent its premature failure.

Cleanliness

Of course, every motorist wants the universal air conditioner in the car to always give out only clean air. However, such a desire is hardly feasible, especially given the poor ecology in large cities. In order for the air conditioning system installed in the 12 volt electrical network to always produce more purified air, regardless of the type of car, cabin filters must be used. So the driver needs to change the filter from time to time to prevent the accumulation of exhaust gases in the car.

The most correct way to monitor the cleanliness of a device installed in a 12-volt electrical network can be at a specialized service station. The procedure for cleaning the system will rid it of harmful microbes and even mold that can accumulate on the evaporator. This is especially true for cars in which 12-volt electric conduits work for a long time and without proper operation. According to experts, the cleaning procedure should be carried out at least once a year, while we must not forget about the treatment of the system with antibacterial agents. You can learn more about self-cleaning (the author of the video is ICTV Channel).

Before using an air conditioner connected to a 12-volt network, it is necessary to take into account some nuances. After all, improper operation will lead not only to a breakdown of the device, but also to possible diseases for the driver who constantly uses the electric car air conditioner. D Do it on time and it won't let you down!

So, what you need to know and how to use the air conditioner in a car connected to a 12 volt network:

The main requirement for the normal operation of the system is the complete tightness of the cabin. But this rule is more informative than mandatory. Of course, if the windows are open while driving, the system will still blow cold air, but it will not be able to cool the interior. Moreover, the use of air conditioners leads to an increase in fuel consumption. So a sealed interior will keep cold air inside and save a little on gasoline.
In the hot season, it is better to park the car in the shade, it is also advisable to use various accessories for interior heating, for example, a foil lining on the windshield. In the heat, you need to try so that the conder gets less work.
As for operation, if the vehicle is very hot during parking, then before starting the engine, it is necessary to ventilate the interior. According to many experts, bacteria harmful to the human body can penetrate from the air ducts into the passenger compartment during parking. And their impact on the body will be even more dangerous if you turn on the air conditioner immediately after parking. When the cabin is ventilated, it is necessary to start driving at minimum speed and with the windows open - this will improve the circulation of the air flow. Only when the interior is completely ventilated, you can close the windows and turn on the air conditioner.
In no case, when starting a ride, do not activate the air conditioning system to the maximum - the installation may simply not be able to cope with the task. This is especially true for more used cars - from the beginning of the movement, the system will not be able to work at full capacity. Accordingly, this can lead to accelerated wear. If you have climate control, then everything is much simpler here - the system will automatically switch to the required operating mode from the initial minimum.
Use the airflow recirculation mode - this will make the use of the air conditioner even more efficient. Hot air from the street will not enter the cabin, and only the air flow that is used by the air conditioner will be used.
A special requirement is given to shutting down the system. It is necessary to turn off the air conditioner two to three minutes before the engine stops - since the device worked earlier, the air inside the car will be cool and you will not feel a big difference. When the air conditioner turns off, the stove fan can be left on - thanks to this, moisture will not collect on the evaporative element, respectively, puddles will no longer appear under the bottom of the car. In addition, thanks to the operation of the fan, the likelihood of mold in the system is minimal.
Do not use the system to the maximum even in extreme heat. If you estimate objectively, then even 22-24 degrees will be quite enough to feel comfortable while driving. Moreover, sudden changes in temperature, when the driver leaves the cool interior of the car in the heat, also negatively affect human health. This is especially true for people who have heart problems.
Always remember the need for regular maintenance of the climate system - at least once a year. The consumable material in the installation, the filter, must be replaced. If you hear that the air coming from the system has become unpleasant, you may need to perform an antibacterial cleaning of the unit. In any case, prevention is always cheaper than repair, this should be remembered.
In some vehicles, the simultaneous operation of the air conditioning system, as well as the stove, is provided. The operation of these nodes will reduce the fogging of glasses in winter.
At least once a month, even in winter, you need to turn on the air conditioner. In any case, downtime in the operation of the installation only harms it. This practice will increase the service life of the node.

Air conditioning is a great convenience option for your car. However, there are several downsides to using this setup. If the air conditioner is simple enough and does not have automatic control, you will have to constantly adjust it yourself, the car will be alternately cold and hot. There is also another unpleasant moment - the presence of risks of colds. If after a hot day you get into the car and turn on the air conditioner, the microclimate in the car immediately cools down and becomes different. This does not always allow the body to adapt to new conditions, which weakens the immune system. However, there are different situations and different immunities, for some people air conditioning does not harm at all.

Another negative factor in the use of air conditioning, which is constantly cited as an example by motorists who do not have such convenience, is an increase in fuel consumption. Indeed, a certain increase will be present, since the air conditioner is an electrical device, the energy for its operation is taken from the generator, which is forced to increase pressure on the engine. As a result, you can add about 3-5 percent to the consumption in the city and about 1-2 percent to the average consumption on the highway. And even then, not on all cars. A powerful and voluminous engine simply does not feel such an addition as an air conditioner. Let's figure out how to use the air conditioner so as not to harm yourself or the car.

The main features of comfortable operation of the air conditioner

Turning on this element of comfort in your car at a time when you only need to cover a few kilometers is unwise. Better to just open the windows and ride with the breeze. Strong temperature fluctuations are not the best option for pleasant conditions for the body. Therefore, having decided to turn on the air conditioner, set the temperature not too low or turn this element on for minimum performance. So you can avoid instant cooling of the cabin and getting some difficulties from this. The use of an air conditioner contains certain prohibitions that it is highly undesirable to violate:

you should not turn on the air conditioner immediately to the maximum modes, so as not to create a sharp temperature drop in the cabin and not expose people to risks;
air conditioning with open windows is contraindicated - this can disable the entire system and lead to failure of the air conditioner itself;
at outdoor temperatures below seven degrees, the initiation of the operation of some air conditioners can also adversely affect the quality of the equipment;
air conditioning of the cabin with the maximum fan blowing mode can lead to significant problems with the human nervous system;
cooling the air in the cabin to a temperature below +19 degrees is not recommended by air conditioner manufacturers;
to avoid high fuel consumption, turn on the air conditioner to the lowest possible modes, it will be comfortable for passengers and the driver.

Many motorists who have classic air conditioners with mechanical settings turn on the equipment immediately to the maximum in order to cool the interior faster in the hot summer. But this mode causes some stress for the electrical system of the car, generator and other devices. Yes, and being in the cabin during such extreme conditioning is very dangerous. People often underestimate the possible negative effects of air conditioning on health. It is quite possible to cause tension and muscle tone, to catch a cold of the ligaments and muscles, than to cause pain and even hamper movements for a certain time.

How to reduce fuel consumption by using air conditioning?

Fuel consumption is one of the main negative features of the operation of climate equipment. If you use climate control or air conditioning, consumption in the city can increase by up to 10-12 percent. It all depends on the power of your engine, the preparation of electrical equipment. If the air conditioning is installed in a car that does not provide for the use of such a comfort element, consumption can increase up to 20 percent of the baseline, and excessive battery discharge due to a lack of generator power is also quite possible. Buyers of budget cars face such problems, in which the manufacturer installed air conditioning in order to increase sales. You can take the following features of the use of air conditioning to reduce consumption:

in the urban mode of operation, generally refuse to use the air conditioner, moreover, it is not very healthy for the body;
operate the air conditioner only on long-distance highway trips when you close the windows and reduce rolling resistance;
use the lowest possible operating modes of the air conditioner, when the installation puts less pressure on the electrical system of the machine;
in climate control, it is worth gradually setting the desired temperature, lowering it degree by degree in the process of cooling the interior;
refuse too strong rotation of the fans - the temperature will drop quickly enough without them.

Such features will allow you to easily get rid of increased fuel consumption and failure of the battery, generator and other elements of the electrical circuit. I must say that most motorists do not think about the negative impact of air conditioning on consumption. But remember that an increase in consumption also means an increase in engine wear and an increase in the load on it. So by turning on the air conditioner to the maximum possible modes, you simply accelerate the process of destruction of the power unit, which is another negative consequence of improper operation of the climate system.

Modern climate control - different cars with different features

Every self-respecting manufacturer today is developing various climate control systems to provide maximum comfort and a minimum number of settings for the owner of the car. These are very technological devices, which every year are becoming more widespread and more modern technologies. But there is a certain specificity of the operation of the climate control system, which must be taken into account when using this installation. Depends on the specifics of the system itself:

climate control with one sensor (which is usually located near the ceiling) does not immediately respond to compliance with the declared temperature, because the climate at the feet of passengers and near the ceiling is always different, you need to set up such an installation gradually, without sudden changes;
many sensors in various places allow the driver to relax more and set just the right temperature, most of these settings work efficiently and offer quite mild modes by default;
modern technological climate controls from leading manufacturers have received a lot of new technologies that allow them to gently and efficiently comply with the established climate limits without drops and too sharp air flows;
air conditioning in a car can have various modifications and methods of operation, so it’s worth finding out exactly how this system functions in your car - this will help you gently operate the device without harm to it and to your health.

It is always worth remembering that high-tech devices protect themselves. For example, modern climate control in Volkswagen or Lexus will not turn on in the mode required by the driver when it comes to extreme operating conditions. In this case, the car will warn about the danger to the equipment and will gradually build up the desired temperature, gently passing all the important barriers. Also in modern cars, there is often a self-diagnosis system that allows you to identify possible problems in time and turn off the equipment. In older cars or in less expensive copies, there are no such systems; this task is shifted directly to the driver. We offer you to watch a short video about the operation of the air conditioner and its maintenance:

Summing up

Air conditioning and climate control have become an integral part of the modern car. When choosing a modification or model of a car for purchase, many buyers pay attention to the features of the air conditioner, since it is the main indicator of the comfort of a trip in a car. However, the use of the air conditioner on the road is not so common. Often, car owners, under normal operating conditions, use the air conditioning system regularly only in winter, when it is necessary to heat the air in the cabin. In summer, the air conditioner mainly rests.

There are also drivers who do not turn off the air conditioner in the car. In this case, it is worth remembering that this node must be serviced with high quality and ensure its normal modes of operation. In particular, you need to remember about replacing freon, which is the main cooling element in classic air conditioners. Many modern air conditioners require maintenance every season. This is necessarily written in the operating instructions for the car, so this brochure should still be read. How do you use air conditioning in your car?

Such convenience in the car as air conditioning is not only an element of luxury, but also the first necessity when traveling in the hot season. At this time, you can even feel how the asphalt melts under your feet, almost literally. I immediately want to be on some to freshen up. Of course, most drivers know how to turn on the air conditioner in a car, but do they all know how to use it correctly ?! This question is interesting, entertaining and worth it to study it in more detail.

Not a luxury, but a necessity!

Currently, air conditioning is present in almost every car of foreign or domestic production in the middle price category. And its inclusion, by and large, is purely reflex, like how we always close our eyes when sneezing. Many owners of their vehicles do not even know how refrigeration equipment works. Therefore, there is a high degree of probability that it is operated in the wrong way.

Manufacturers make every effort to ensure that the use of the air conditioner is as comfortable as possible. All the driver needs to do is press the power button and select the desired temperature setting. Everything else the system will do without human intervention.

With all the ease of controlling the air conditioner, there are certain nuances, some of which are known to many drivers. But there are some that are hard to find on your own. Therefore, it is necessary not only to know how to properly turn on the air conditioner in the car, but also to understand a little about its operation.

Creating a favorable and comfortable microclimate means maintaining a certain temperature regime and humidity level. And this applies not only to premises (residential, working, industrial) - some of us spend most of our time in the car due to the specifics of work.

In fact, it is not about achieving the required level of comfort. Back in the distant 50s, some observations were noticed. So, at a temperature of +30 ° C and above, the reaction rate decreases in a person. And for the driver, this is especially important, since situations on the road require increased attention and quick response.

Exceeding the value of +25 °C leads to increased fatigue. And at +10 ° C, hypothermia of the body can occur. Few of us can withstand the effects of temperature, especially its fluctuations. Car air conditioning provides the driver with the necessary level of comfort, which allows him to always be in a cheerful mood.

Air conditioner device

The question of how to properly turn on the air conditioner in a car in the summer is of interest to many drivers, but how it works is no less curious.

Depending on the car model, the air conditioner device is different, but in any case, the main components are:

compressor;
capacitor;
evaporator;
fan (sometimes several);
safety valve;
receiver-drier;
expansion valve.

Also, in the device of a car air conditioner, two lines can be distinguished:

high pressure line;
low pressure line.

Of all this, the most important component is the compressor. This is the most complex unit of the entire air conditioning system of any car. His job is to compress the gaseous refrigerant, which has a low temperature and pressure. As a result of compression, the pressure increases and the temperature rises.

Additional safety devices

Sometimes a number of additional safety devices are included. For example, using a low pressure sensor, the compressor is controlled. When the pressure is less than 2 kg / cm 2, it turns off, and when it reaches a value of 2.3 kg / cm 2, it starts working again. Some drivers are wondering: why does the car heat up when the air conditioner is on? Perhaps this indicates a malfunction of one of the sensors, but in most cases the dirty radiator is to blame.

The duties of the high pressure sensor include turning off the compressor when the pressure in the system rises to 30-34 kg / cm 2, and turning it on at 26 kg / cm 2. The sensor responsible for the operation of the blower fans starts to operate as soon as the pressure in the system reaches 19-22 kg/cm 2 and turns off as soon as the pressure drops to 14-16 kg/cm 2 .

There may also be a compressor temperature sensor, which is located on its body. Upon reaching 90-100 ° C, it turns off the electromagnetic clutch. In some models, instead of a whole set of sensors, combined elements can be installed that can perform several tasks.

Receivers-driers can also be equipped with a protective system in the form of a safety valve with an easily alloyed insert. Everything works as follows: as soon as the temperature of the device rises to 90 ° C, the insert melts and the refrigerant comes out.

The principle of operation of the equipment

To solve the question of how to turn on the air conditioner in the car, it is worth drawing a parallel. According to the principle of operation, a car unit can be compared with a similar household appliance that is present in every kitchen. It is based on a well-known regularity by physicists: the substance evaporates - thermal energy is absorbed, and when the substance, on the contrary, condenses, heat is released.

One has only to press the button to turn on the air conditioner, as it works, which causes the pressure plate to be magnetized to the pulley, and the system starts to idle. The pulley, in turn, is connected to a belt through which rotation is transmitted from the crankshaft. Thus, when the engine is running, it always rotates.

What is happening at this moment? The compressor begins to work, which compresses the refrigerant and directs it to the encoder, thereby creating pressure in the system. There, under the action of a fan (one or more), it is cooled and condensed, after which it enters the dryer, where it is filtered. The purified freon bypasses which controls and regulates the level of refrigerant overheating. Perhaps this knowledge will help in solving the problem that drivers often talk about: "I turn on the air conditioner, the car stalls."

Further, the gas through the pipeline enters the evaporator. And since freon is already under low pressure, it has a low boiling point. And as you can understand from the name of the device, the refrigerant begins to evaporate in it, that is, it changes from a liquid state to a gaseous consistency. At the same time, heat is actively absorbed.

As a rule, the evaporator is located directly under the instrument panel. Then the fan comes into play, which directs the cooled air into the cabin through the vents.

After the refrigerant evaporates, it enters the compressor, and the cycle repeats over and over again an infinite number of times. Knowing this, you now need to use the car air conditioner more competently.

Air conditioning then and now

The refrigerant fills the entire air conditioning system of the car. At first, R12 freon was charged into the system, but later it was found that it was unsafe for humans. This problem is more serious than another question that many drivers have: when the air conditioner is on, the car twitches. Therefore, I had to look for an urgent replacement, which was not long in coming - freon R134a. True, the new refrigerant is less efficient, but it does not pose a danger to the human body.

Due to the fact that the new gas has an increased fluidity, the work of engineers has become much more complicated. In addition, the novelty has finally put an end to the possibility of using the old R12 freon. This is because each refrigerant uses a different oil to lubricate the compressor. Mineral oil was used for the old refrigerant, while R134a freon requires a polyalkylene glycol lubricant. Thus, freons of the old and new generation are incompatible with each other.

To avoid any problems, manufacturers place a special sticker under the hood cover, which indicates the brand of refrigerant. And to make sure there is no confusion, these labels are of different colors. Freon R134a is identified with a green color, and R12 with a yellow tint.

Proper operation of the air conditioner

In the heat, without air conditioning, it is impossible to comfortably travel by car. How to turn on the air conditioner in the car, and do it right every time? First of all, make it a rule that you should only park your car in shaded areas. Finding the perfect spot every time is unlikely, but if possible, you should always park in the shade. It doesn't hurt to know, if possible, where she will be at a certain point in time.

If the parking lot is directly under the sun's rays, then usually in the morning the car will be in the sun, and in the afternoon with a high probability there will already be a shade.

When parking in an open parking lot, it is worth using special protective equipment that covers the windows. This will avoid excessive heating in the cabin. But what can be done if the car is still very hot? In this case, you cannot immediately turn on the air conditioner - you must first ventilate the interior. To do this, just open the windows and take a little ride. A speed of 10-15 km / h is enough for hot air to leave the car in a hurry.

It is equally important to turn off the air conditioner correctly!

It is important not only to use the air conditioner correctly - it is necessary to turn it off correctly. Then, probably, you won't have to think about why, when you turn on the air conditioner, the car stalls. And first of all, it is worth remembering that upon arrival at your destination, do not immediately turn off the engine, as this negatively affects the operation of the air conditioning system. And to save it, you need to follow simple rules:

After stopping the car, the first thing to do is turn off the air conditioner, let the engine run for a while. Although it is better to do this at the entrance to the destination - the air will still remain cool for a sufficient time.
After the air conditioner is turned off, the fan must be left on.

Regarding the last point - the included fan allows the evaporator to dry. Otherwise, the development of various bacteria, including moss, cannot be avoided. This, in turn, can lead to the formation of an unpleasant odor in the cabin, and as a result, diseases of the respiratory system will not be long in coming.

Maintenance Issues

Do not neglect the maintenance of the air conditioner. Namely, to regularly replace the filter, as well as monitor the condition of the capacitor (aka radiator). If necessary, clean it with compressed air. In addition, use antibacterial agents annually to clean the air conditioning system. Otherwise, the following situation is not ruled out: when the air conditioner is on, it drips under the car.

From time to time it is necessary to change the refrigerant itself, which is done only in a specialized service. In addition, it is advisable to purchase only original parts.

Cautions

When using the air conditioner, it should be remembered that the operating refrigeration equipment takes part of the engine power, resulting in increased fuel consumption.

Temperature fluctuations also deserve close attention. If the temperature is high outside, do not turn the interior of the car into a refrigerator. The human body does not tolerate serious changes. In some cases, you can lose consciousness, once again in hot conditions.

It is enough to maintain a temperature of 24 ° C in the cabin. In this case, the driver will always remain dry and save himself from health problems. After reading the material, how to turn on the air conditioner in the car will no longer be a problem. And the device will be safe, and the driver and passengers will be healthy.

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