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With summer fast approaching, make sure that your car’s air conditioning system is working properly and ready to keep you and your passengers comfortable. While having it serviced by an auto air conditioning expert is a must, it’s also important for you to understand how it works to maintain it and determine when something is wrong. Below are some insights into its parts and how they work.

What Are the Main Components of a Car’s AC System?

A typical auto air conditioning system has a compressor, condenser, and evaporator as its main components. The compressor is a pump attached to the engine that serves as the heart of the system. The condenser looks similar to the radiator and performs the same function of dissipating heat. The evaporator, meanwhile, does several functions, including absorbing heat, dehumidifying the warm air, and filtering contaminants.

How Does It Work?

auto air conditioningThe primary concepts at work when you turn on your auto air conditioning unit are evaporation, condensation, compression, and expansion, or what engineers call thermodynamics. The main ingredient it uses for cooling is called a refrigerant, which evaporates at a low temperature and condenses at a high one.

The refrigeration cycle starts once you turn on the air conditioner when the compressor pumps the refrigerant vapor to the condenser. This gas is cooled by condensation, turning it into a liquid that goes into the reservoir. The expansion valve then turns it back into low-pressure vapor, which absorbs heat inside the cabin as it is vaporized by the evaporator.

 

If you want to prepare your vehicle for summer, drop by Chik's Auto Air in Honolulu, HI. This trusted auto repair shop has been providing reliable parts and service for almost 45 years. Their skilled mechanics specialize in auto air conditioning, oil changes, brakes, and other minor vehicle repairs. Give them a call at (808) 591-1726 for inquiries or visit their website to learn more about the services they offer.

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