What is the best way to turn on the air conditioner in the car in summer. Effective use of car air conditioning

Today, more and more cars are air-conditioned. In our climatic conditions, this is often not a superfluous device. In summer, the temperature outside can often exceed 30 degrees, and in a car that is in an open space for a long time, it is sometimes impossible to stay in a car after a long parking. Owners of vehicles with air conditioners in their cabins feel completely differently. The presence of this device significantly increases the comfort of travel, especially in extreme heat, and even in city traffic jams, when open windows do not alleviate the situation, but only bring noise and exhaust gases. However, the use of this device also requires compliance with some rules for its operation.

Air conditioner for car

The vehicle cooling system is a completely sealed system that is filled with refrigerant and compressor oil. Freon was always used as a refrigerant, in modern models it is most often R134a, but there may be some other substances as well. The instructions for use warn: it is strictly forbidden to replace or mix different fluids. This will definitely lead to breakage.

If, for any reason, the tightness of this device is broken, then further operation of the unit will be impossible.

The owner of the car must carefully monitor his equipment and carry out its control in a timely manner.

The operation of an air conditioner is practically the same as that of a refrigerator. The heart of an air conditioner is the compressor. It is he who drives freon or other gas through all pipes and lines. In modern models, this is perhaps the only movable component. The correct operation of the cooling unit is monitored using several sensors. In the event that problems arise with the compressor, then this can be recognized by the unexpected noise at the location of this unit.

Another cause of breakdown can be a leakage of tightness, and hence a coolant leak. Knowing this fact, it is necessary to regularly carry out a preventive inspection of all and promptly replace gradually wearing parts, gaskets and seals.

It is important to remember that not only refrigerant is poured into the air conditioner, but also oil. It is designed to lubricate all parts of the mechanism. If the air conditioner does not turn on for a long time, the oil may solidify and stop lubricating the components and gaskets. As a result of this process, parts of the air conditioner may be destroyed, and naturally there will be a leakage of refrigerant. Air conditioner manufacturers recommend turning on the system at least once a week for about 10 minutes. It is necessary to turn on the air conditioner for preventive purposes even in winter. This will allow for timely lubrication of parts and prevent their premature destruction.

What is air conditioner diagnostics

In order to be absolutely sure that the refrigeration system is in perfect order, it is necessary to check the refrigerant level.
In the event that its level is below the prescribed norm, the cooling process will be less effective. In the most critical cases, this can also signal the failure of some components of the cooling system, namely the air conditioner radiator (condenser), pressure line or even a compressor. The system may have experienced partial depressurization in the form of small cracks. The presence of this problem will also be indicated by oil drips on the tubes of the air conditioner.
Untimely refueling can be another reason for insufficient cooling gas. Considering that freon and its analogs are gaseous substances, it is quite natural that during the operation of the air conditioner they can simply evaporate. In this case, everything is solved by the usual additional topping up of coolant. Here it is important to carefully read the manufacturers' recommendations on the frequency of topping up and try to comply with them. In new cars, the refueling frequency is once every two to three years. Over time, this will have to be done much more often.
When diagnosing, it is also important to check if fungi have formed on the evaporator. Of course, their presence will not lead to mechanical damage to the cooling equipment, but using the air conditioner will become not only unpleasant, but also extremely unsafe for health. When you turn on the cooling, the entire interior is literally filled with the smell of mold or "wet dog". This problem can be solved by simply disinfecting the evaporator and replacing all filters. This service is provided by almost all car service centers. Although some craftsmen prefer to do everything on their own.

Rules for using air conditioning in a car

Having a completely serviceable cooling system for the car's interior, you must also follow the rules for using the air conditioner in the car. This will help to avoid completely unexpected troubles in the form of tonsillitis, vascular spasms, etc. These rules include:

Airing the cabin. If the car has been standing in the sun and is very hot, you should not turn on the climate system at full power immediately after you start the engine. Manufacturers recommend opening all windows for ten minutes and ventilating the interior. Then the windows are closed and you can turn on the air conditioner in the car by one, and set the temperature regulator to an average level. After a few minutes, you can switch to a two and to the lowest possible temperature. It is advisable to do all this during, as it relieves part of the load directly from the air conditioner, and the desired temperature in the cabin will come much faster.
Do not direct cooled air onto glass. This rule is especially true when the atmospheric temperature rises above 25 degrees. If the direction of the air stream is incorrect, a critical temperature difference may occur, which will lead to the formation of small microcracks on the glass. This process will gradually progress and the cracks will soon grow larger.
The cooling mode must be correct. Many are worried about how not to get sick from the included air conditioner in the car, but everything is quite simple. Doctors strongly advise against staying in the cabin for a long time when the climate system is operating at maximum mode. Very low temperatures can cause hypothermia and, as a result, colds. After rapid cooling of the passenger compartment, it is highly desirable to set the regulator to "unity" and increase the temperature regime to 20 or 22 degrees. In the event that the climate system has mechanical regulation, and not digital, it is best to put the regulator in the middle. The air flow is optimally directed to the legs. All these activities will help everyone who is in the car not to catch a cold and not to get a runny nose or sore throat.
Air flow regulation. In the event that there is a need for rapid cooling of the vehicle interior, it is best to turn on air circulation in the internal mode. By this we force the air to move in a closed cycle, and the air flow due to the "side" of the car is completely limited. Most often this method is used at very high air temperatures or if the vehicle is parked.
We correctly distribute the flows of cooled air. All air ducts of cars are equipped with deflectors - a kind of curtains. They are designed to adjust the direction of incoming air flows and it is highly desirable to direct them correctly and adjust the intensity of the flows. The goal of the car owner will be to properly distribute these flows to evenly cool the entire interior.

Additional fuel consumption

Unfortunately, the use of air conditioning is not only solid advantages in the form of increased travel comfort, but also additional. This is a completely natural process, since the climate system is an electronic device that requires energy to operate. Especially noticeable is the increased consumption of gasoline when driving in summer in urban conditions in traffic jams. Knowing about this problem, you can try to slightly reduce the energy requirement of the air conditioner. For this you need:

Try to put the car in the shade and not let it warm up in the sun for too long.
If the first condition cannot be met, then, as mentioned earlier, the car must be ventilated for several minutes before turning on the cooling system.
To avoid unnecessary load on the air conditioner, which also entails increased fuel consumption, you must first turn it on at minimum power and only after a while switch to maximum cooling mode.
Immediately after reaching a comfortable temperature, you need to go back to a low cooling level, which will simply maintain the temperature in the vehicle interior.
Cooling can be switched on only with tightly closed windows and hatch.
Modern cars have an air recirculation system. In this process, the air conditioner cools the air only in the passenger compartment and does not take hot air masses from the outside. As a result of recirculation, the air is cooled much faster and requires much less energy and fuel.

Features of turning off the air conditioner

It is necessary not only to know how to properly use the air conditioner in a car, but also how to turn it off correctly. The manufacturers of these devices advise turning off the cooling system a little earlier than the time when you get to your destination. During this time, the interior will not have time to warm up yet, but a puddle will not form under the car. But the point is not only in a puddle, but also in the fact that the pipes of the air conditioner, when the system is suddenly turned off, fog up very much and can additionally undergo corrosion. In addition, in a humid environment, various fungi develop very quickly, which will then enter the cabin with cooled air, and everyone in the car will breathe this air.

Maintenance of air conditioners

Experienced motorists insist that only specialists should carry out maintenance of climate systems. The owner of the vehicle, of course, can independently replace the cabin filter or carry out an antiseptic treatment of the air conditioner, but the main maintenance work must still be done at a service station. Filling with refrigerant must be done according to strict technology. Violation of the filling rules can lead to breakdown of the entire cooling system and even an explosion. As with any other type of work with a car, try to avoid non-professionals so as not to waste additional energy and money.

Elena Yavina

Not all drivers know how to properly turn on the air conditioner in a car in summer. As long as the climate system is working properly, no one pays much attention to this problem. However, as soon as cool air ceases to flow into the cabin in the heat, everyone begins to wonder what the problem is. In order for the air conditioner to work without failures, its operation must be carried out taking into account certain rules. Check out a few tips on how to use this system to avoid unnecessary repair costs in the future.

Turning on the climate control at maximum power immediately after starting the engine

Each driver, sitting in a hot car, the interior warmed up in the sun, intuitively reaches for the climate control unit to turn on the airflow to the maximum and set the temperature to minimum values. But if you do this procedure with the windows closed, you should not expect any positive effect, since heated air will circulate through the cabin.

Not all drivers know how to properly operate the air conditioner in the heat.

Using the recirculated air function

If you turn on the circulation inside the cabin, this can lead to fogging of the windows and negatively affect visibility, which should also not be allowed during the use of climate control equipment.

Equipping the car with a climate control system makes it much easier to set a comfortable temperature

Many modern cars are equipped with climate control systems that have an AUTO function. It automatically regulates the temperature level in the passenger compartment and the airflow speed. At the same time, the possibility of glass fogging is completely excluded, and the driver and passengers are in a comfortable environment.

Irregular maintenance of the car's climate system

Like any other component, the air conditioner in the car needs regular maintenance. Many drivers remember it in the summer, immediately turning it on and not really thinking about the system's performance after winter.

Troubleshooting begins only when the cherished coolness ceases to flow into the salon. During the summer heat, this is fraught with much greater financial and time costs.

It is very important to carry out the inspection and maintenance of the air conditioner every year. The bottom line is that the rubber hoses that carry the refrigerant have a porous structure, which causes slow leaks. Each model has a tolerance of up to 10 percent of the total, which is the norm.

It is recommended to regularly carry out maintenance of the air conditioner

During maintenance, they check how much freon is not enough for the efficient operation of the air conditioner in normal mode.

If you ignore the maintenance several times, then the lack of refrigerant will be significant, due to which the compressor will not be able to work efficiently, and the long-awaited coolness in the cabin will not come.

This can subsequently lead to failure of the engine itself, its replacement or expensive repairs.

Reluctance to use the conditioner in the morning

Although it can be chilly outside in the summer in the morning hours and there is no need to use the climate control system, it should still be turned on. This will prevent the windows from fogging up when the outside temperature rises significantly.

Installing the deflector and turning on the blowing with cold air flows to the face

Every driver wants cold air to blow directly on him while driving in hot weather, giving all the coolness from the air conditioner. This is ineffective. The efficiency of air distribution throughout the passenger compartment is thus impaired.

The correct direction of air flow plays an important role

To evenly distribute the coolness inside a car heated in the sun, it is recommended to direct the air deflectors up. Thanks to this, the temperature in the cabin will decrease much faster and better. Fresh air is distributed evenly throughout the entire interior.

Neglecting regular antibacterial treatment and replacing filter elements

Car air conditioners tend to clog up. Due to the fact that the cabin filter is clogged with dirt, the cabin can:

unpleasant odors appear;
bacteria spread, which in turn provoke the development of respiratory diseases.

Dust and dirt settle on this element, which significantly impairs the permeability of air flows. All this leads to the fact that the airflow will have to be turned on at full power, reducing the efficiency of the climate system.

Refueling the air conditioner yourself

A very common mistake in handling a car's climate system is the desire of many motorists to refuel the refrigerant on their own. Currently, in many car dealerships, refrigerant is sold in special cylinders.

Leave the refueling of the air conditioner to specialists

The consequences of an independent attempt to fill the air conditioner with freon can be the most deplorable and unpredictable. And this is even provided that the driver chooses the appropriate type of refrigerant.

So, if it is filled more than the established rate, the process of its evaporation will be disrupted. Freon in liquid form will enter the compressor and thus easily disable it.

Of course, not all motorists know how to properly turn on the air conditioner in a car in the summer. There is nothing terrible and difficult in this. If you wish, you can easily master the subtleties of using the climate system in the heat, in order not only to enjoy the coveted cool, but also significantly extend the service life of all components and assemblies that ensure its operation. Remember, any malfunction can result in significant repair costs for the motorist.

The unprecedented heat in Russia this summer has caused significant damage to owners of old vehicles with water-cooled engines. Every now and then you can see how on the edge of the road there is a used "three" or "five" VAZ with an open hood, from under which white steam is falling. The scorching heat is no less problematic for those whose cars are not equipped with climate systems - air conditioners and climate controls. You certainly won't envy them: driving with open windows does not save much from the heat, but it brings other troubles: noise, exhaust fumes, and, what is most sad, increased fuel consumption.

Of course, driving with the air conditioner or climate control turned on also affects the fuel "appetite" of the car, which is in many ways comparable to the increased engine consumption of a car with all the windows open while driving. But an air-conditioned car has its undeniable advantages - the same climatic comfort in the cabin. True, you need to create this very comfort wisely, because improper use of the climate system can lead to its breakdown, and to health problems for car passengers. Today we will give some tips on how to properly use the air conditioner in your car.

In the photo: button on / off the air conditioner

Every self-respecting car enthusiast who cares about the good condition of his "iron horse", on the eve of the seasons, conducts diagnostics of all systems, including the climate system. In the autumn we check the work, in the spring - the air conditioner. It is not for nothing that in April-May, the Internet is replete with announcements of discounts for air conditioner diagnostics - it is recommended to carry out it twice a year, in spring and autumn.

What does air conditioner diagnostics include? First of all, checking the level of freon - the substance responsible for cooling the air entering the cabin from the air conditioner. If this level is less than the norm, then this is fraught with both poor air cooling and failure of parts of the cooling unit - the compressor, the condenser (air conditioner radiator) and the pressure line. The reason for such troubles is the depressurization of the air conditioning system, which can occur as a result of the formation of microcracks on the condenser housing or pipes through which freon flows mixed with a special oil that performs a lubricating function for rubbing parts of the system.

A specialist checks the entire system, and if any leaks are detected, he decides to replace the failed parts. These are serious consequences, the diagnosis of which is a drop in the level of freon. But there are other reasons as well. Freon is a gas, and like all similar substances, it evaporates naturally. So the drop in the level of freon can be dictated by the service life of the car air conditioner without refueling. In addition to checking the level of freon, you also need to ensure that fungi do not form on the evaporator. This problem is produced by an unpleasant smell when you turn on the air conditioner - it smells like a wet dog. In service centers, this problem is eliminated by disinfecting the evaporator and changing the air conditioner filters.

You can carry out such operations yourself. In any case, we advise you not to ignore the car manufacturer's recommendations for servicing car air conditioners and regularly diagnose their condition.

Let's say the climate system of your car is in good working order and you meet the summer fully armed. But it is not enough to have a working car air conditioner - it is important to use it correctly. Especially in extreme heat. Here are some simple rules that will make your trip in an air-conditioned car as comfortable as possible.

We ventilate the car. You should not turn on the air conditioner as soon as you start the engine, especially if the car was standing in the sun and “Tashkent” was formed in the cabin. First of all, we open all the windows in the car and ventilate the interior for 10 minutes. After that we close the windows and turn on the air conditioner fan first to "one", setting the temperature indicator to the middle position, and after a few minutes - to "two", turning the toggle switch of the temperature sensor to the maximum. It is better to cool the cabin not in the parking lot, but in motion - the air entering the cabin from the outside at speed will facilitate the task of the air conditioner to create a comfortable temperature. It is also important when cooling the passenger compartment, especially if the temperature overboard is above +25 degrees, do not direct cold air to the glass - due to the sharp temperature drop, microcracks can form in the glass, which will eventually grow into large cracks.

2. We set the correct cooling mode... It is not recommended to drive for a long time in a car, the air conditioning of which is operating at maximum - so it is not long to catch a sore throat. Therefore, after sufficient cooling of the air in the passenger compartment, it is better to set the fan speed to "two" or "one", and also to raise the temperature.

3 . We set the optimal temperature in the cabin... Doctors say that the most comfortable temperature in a car is 20-22 degrees. Therefore, in order to avoid colds, after sufficient cooling of the interior, it is better to set the above temperature (if the air conditioner is not digital, but mechanical, then set the temperature indicator to the middle divisions), and direct the airflow to your feet.

4 . Correctly regulate the air flow into the passenger compartment... If you need to cool the air in the passenger compartment quickly, then turn on the internal air circulation mode.

Thus, a closed space is formed in the interior, the access of hot air from the outside is limited, and the interior is cooled faster. This method is often used when the car is parked or if the air temperature outside the car is above 25 degrees.

5 . Watching the direction of cold air... It is not in vain that automobile manufacturers have equipped the air ducts with "curtains" - deflectors, with the help of which the direction of the air flow and its intensity can be regulated. In air conditioning, it is also important to adjust all deflectors so that the cooled air is evenly distributed throughout the cabin.

These recommendations are mostly suitable for owners of vehicles equipped with mechanical air conditioning. Automatic climate systems are trained to regulate all parameters autonomously, without the participation of the driver.

It seems to you that outside the window the air temperature is a billion degrees and the asphalt is melting. At this moment, you want to breathe cool air. Fortunately, most modern cars are air conditioned. This allows us to move in a car with comfort even in unbearable heat. But do you know how to use the conditioner effectively?

Turning on the air conditioner in the car has become such an invisible action in ours. We sometimes do not notice when we turn it on. It's like a reflex. Most of us don't even know how the air conditioning system in cars works. Because of this, we often use it ineffectively and do not know how to use it correctly.

Car manufacturers have tried to make control of the air conditioner as simple and uncomplicated as possible. All you need is to turn it on and set the required temperature. The air cooling system does the rest for you. But in order to use a car air conditioner more efficiently (for example, which is consumed much more when the air conditioner is turned on), it is necessary to adhere to certain rules.

How an airbag works

Offers you some tips on how to use the air conditioner effectively in your car. But first, let's find out how the air conditioning system works in modern cars.

An automotive air cooling system is a closed circuit with a high and low pressure area. In the high-pressure section of the circuit, refrigerant (the refrigerant chemical in this area is in a gaseous state) moves through the system through a special compressor that is belt-driven to the engine. Have you ever noticed that when you press the "AC" button (incl. Air conditioning), a noise is heard under the hood. This turns on the compressor, which supplies the gaseous refrigerant to the condenser (radiator), which cools the heated gas into a liquid state.

Then, on the low pressure side, the high pressure liquid flows through the valve into the evaporator. Here's where the magic happens. The refrigerant in the low pressure area has a very low boiling point and when it reaches the evaporator (in fact, it is a simple radiator located behind the center console) it immediately turns into gas. This process is called evaporation.

If you think back to high school, evaporation is an endothermic process, which means that heat is absorbed by evaporation. Therefore, the evaporator, which is located behind the dashboard, cools the air entering the passenger compartment from the street through the ventilation system.

Then this cycle repeats over and over.

Now that we have learned (for those who did not know) how the air conditioner works in a car, let's take a look at a few tips to learn how to use the air conditioner more efficiently.

Hide the car from the sun

The first step in efficiency is to reduce the load on the air conditioning system. Remember, the longer and more powerful the air conditioner that the system consumes. This inevitably leads to a significant increase in fuel consumption.

The smell of gasoline in the cabin

In order to save at least a little fuel consumption and reduce the load on the air conditioning system, you must try not to put your car in direct sunlight in hot weather, which will heat the body and interior of the car to a high temperature, which even the air conditioner cannot quickly reduce. Try to park your car in the shade, near houses, trees, and bushes. When parking your car in the morning, do not forget that being in the shade, your car may be in direct sunlight in the afternoon.

Even if the sun hits the car in the afternoon, remember that it is not as active in the late afternoon as in the morning and afternoon. Therefore, if your car is in the sun after 16-00, then it will heat up differently than during the day and it will be much easier for the air conditioner to cool the car.

If you park a car in an open area where there is no shade and there is nowhere to hide the car from the sun's rays, then use special films to close the car windows from the sun entering the car interior. This will reduce the greenhouse effect and protect the interior materials from fading and heat damage.

Airing

If, nevertheless, you did not manage to protect the car from strong heating in the sun and the air in your cabin resembles a bath, then after opening the car doors, do not rush to turn on the air conditioner. It is better to open all the doors and just ventilate the interior of the car first in order to slightly lower the temperature in the cabin naturally. You can also speed up this process. By opening one window, you can drive at a low speed of 10-15 km / h so that the hot air inertia goes out into the street.

Turning on the air conditioner

When turning on the air conditioning system, you must first turn it on to the minimum mode (Low). After all, each system needs a little work before it can function more efficiently. You won't like it if you wake you up in the middle of the night and make you run fast. Likewise, the air conditioning system will not work efficiently if it is immediately turned on at 100% power. If your machine is equipped with automatic air conditioning, then when you turn it on, the system itself will initially operate at minimum mode, gradually increasing the blowing power.

Always use recirculated air

One of the most useful modes in modern cars. When turned on, the outside air supply system will not continuously supply outboard air. It will use the air in the cabin that is in the cabin. The cooled interior air will relieve the vehicle's air conditioning system. If the air recirculation mode is not turned on, the air conditioner will constantly work at maximum power, cooling the portion of the incoming hot air from the street.

Sequence

When you arrive at your destination, do not rush to turn off the engine while the air conditioner is running. This will place a heavy load on the electrical power conversion system. First, turn off the air conditioner while the engine is running. You can do this by approaching the final route in advance. Since the air in your passenger compartment is already cooled, turning off the cooling will not heat up in a short time. Also, turning off the air conditioner in advance will save you from the formation of a puddle under the machine, which forms as a result of condensation. At first glance, there is nothing wrong with that. But it's not quite that simple. Condensation forms on the cooler in the passenger compartment. Cooler passing through it lowers the evaporator temperature to very low values. Outside hot air meets cold fixer, resulting in water droplets. By turning off the air conditioner in advance while driving, you will prevent the formation of harmful microorganisms due to moisture in the air conditioning system.

Maintenance

Remember to service your car regularly by changing. You should definitely change this cabin air filter at least once a year. We also advise you to treat the ventilation system with antibacterial sprayers every year. To do this, having bought antibacterial agents (preferably spray, etc.), turn on the engine and start the interior ventilation system, turning off the air recirculation. Next, open the hood and spray with an antibacterial agent in the place where the air entering the interior takes place. This substance, together with air, will pass through the entire ventilation system and enter the passenger compartment. Thus, you protect yourself from the formation of harmful bacteria and microbes in the ventilation system.

Also, sooner or later you will have to replace the refrigerant in the system. Be sure to carry out this work only at an authorized dealership to avoid damage to the air conditioning system or refueling of a refrigerant not certified by the automotive company.

Monitor your fuel consumption

Once again, any air conditioner in a car increases fuel consumption. But you can reduce fuel consumption by setting the temperature inside the car, which is not much different from the temperature outside. That is, if it is very hot outside, you should not cool the air in the cabin like in a refrigerator.

For example, if it is 28-30 degrees outside, then we advise you to set the cooling temperature to 23-25 \u200b\u200bdegrees. By setting this temperature, it will be more or less comfortable for you to drive a car, and the air conditioning system will not experience a colossal load, consuming liters of fuel.

Convenience in the car, such as air conditioning, is not only a luxury item, but also a first necessity when traveling in the hot season. At this time, you can even feel the asphalt melting under your feet almost literally. Immediately you want to be on some to refresh yourself. 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 exploring in more detail.

Not a luxury, but a necessity!

Currently, air conditioning is present in almost every car of foreign or domestic production of the middle price category. And its inclusion, by and large, is made purely reflexively, similar to 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 being misused.

Manufacturers make every effort to make the use of the air conditioner as comfortable as possible. All the driver needs to do is press the power button and select the required temperature mode. The system will do the rest without human intervention.

With all the ease of air conditioning control, there are certain nuances, some of which are known to many drivers. But there are also those that are difficult to find on their 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.

The creation of a favorable and comfortable microclimate is understood as maintaining a certain temperature regime and humidity level. Moreover, this applies not only to premises (residential, work, industrial) - some of us spend most of their time in the cabin of the car due to the specifics of the work.

Essentially, this is not about achieving the required level of comfort. Even in the distant 50s, some observations were noticed. So, at a temperature of +30 ° C and above, a person's reaction rate decreases. This is especially important for the driver, as situations on the road require increased attention and quick reaction.

Exceeding the value of +25 ° C leads to increased fatigue. And at + 10 ° C, hypothermia may occur. Few of us can withstand the effects of temperature, especially temperature 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 the car in the summer is interesting to many drivers, but how it works is no less curious.

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

compressor;
capacitor;
evaporator;
fan (sometimes there are several of them);
safety valve;
receiver-dryer;
expansion valve.

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

high pressure line;
low pressure line.

The most important of all this is the compressor. This is the most complex unit of the entire air conditioning system of any car. Its job is to compress refrigerant gas that has low temperature and pressure. As a result of compression, the pressure increases and the temperature rises.

Additional protective devices

Sometimes a number of additional safety devices are included. For example, a compressor is controlled by a low pressure sensor. 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 ask themselves: 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, a 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 work 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 housing. When it reaches 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.

Receiver-driers can also be equipped with a safety system in the form of a safety valve, which has an easily fusible 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 equipment operation

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

One has only to press the button for turning on the air conditioner, as it works, which makes the pressure plate magnetized to the pulley, and the system starts to work in idle mode. 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 happens at this moment? The compressor starts working, 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 a problem that drivers often talk about: "I turn on the air conditioner, the car stalls."

The gas then enters the evaporator via a pipeline. And since freon is already under low pressure, it has a low boiling point. And as can be understood from the name of the device, the refrigerant begins to evaporate in it, that is, pass from a liquid state to a gaseous consistency. In this case, heat is actively absorbed.

Typically, the evaporator is located directly under the dashboard. Then the fan comes into play, which directs the cooled one into the cabin through the ventilation holes.

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

Air conditioning features then and now

The refrigerant fills the entire air conditioning system of the vehicle. 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 arises for many drivers: when the air conditioner is on, the car jerks. Therefore, I had to look for an urgent replacement, which was not long in coming - R134a freon. 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 difficult. In addition, the new product 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. The old refrigerant used mineral oil, while the 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 lid that indicates the brand of the refrigerant. And to avoid confusion, these labels are of different colors. Freon R134a is identified by green, and R12 is yellow.

Correct use of the air conditioner

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

If the parking lot is directly in the sun, then usually in the first half of the day the car will be in the sun, and in the afternoon there will be a shade here.

When parking in an open parking lot, you should use special protective equipment that covers the glass. This will prevent excessive heating in the passenger compartment. 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 cabin. To do this, just open the windows and take a little ride. A speed of 10-15 km / h is enough for the 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 you probably won't have to think about why the car stalls when you turn on the air conditioner. And first of all, it is worth remembering that upon arrival at your destination, do not turn off the engine immediately, as this negatively affects the operation of the air conditioning system. And to keep it, you need to follow simple rules:

After stopping the car, the first thing to do is to turn off the air conditioner, let the engine run for now. 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 off, the fan must be left on.

Regarding the last point - the fan on 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 take long.

Maintenance issues

Maintenance of the air conditioner should not be neglected either. Namely, to regularly replace the filter, as well as monitor the condition of the capacitor (aka a radiator). If necessary, blow it out with compressed air. In addition, use antibacterial agents annually to clean the air conditioning system. Otherwise, the following situation is possible: 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 an air conditioner, remember that running refrigeration equipment takes up some of the engine's power, resulting in increased fuel consumption.

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

It is enough to maintain the temperature in the cabin at 24 ° C. In this case, the driver will always stay dry and protect 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.