What are the reasons and solutions for poor cooling performance of car air conditioning?
3 Answers
Reasons for poor cooling performance of car air conditioning: 1. Insufficient refrigerant causing inadequate cooling; 2. Moisture infiltration in the air conditioning refrigeration system leading to insufficient cooling; 3. Reduced heat dissipation capacity of the condenser resulting in decreased air conditioning cooling performance; 4. Aging compressor and belts; 5. Blocked refrigeration pipelines; 6. Long-term failure to replace the air conditioning system's filter; 7. Malfunctioning cooling fan. Solutions for poor cooling performance of car air conditioning are: 1. Add refrigerant; 2. Use a soft brush to remove dirt from the condenser surface; 3. Replace the compressor and belts; 4. Clear blocked refrigeration pipelines; 5. Regularly replace the air conditioning system's filter; 6. Inspect and repair the cooling fan.
I just dealt with the issue of my car's AC not cooling last month, and here's my real experience. The most likely culprit was a clogged cabin air filter—my car hadn't had it replaced in three years, and when I opened it up, it was full of leaves and dust, barely letting any air through. Replacing the filter made an immediate difference. Another thing to check is the refrigerant level—the mechanic used a pressure gauge and found mine was 20% low. Topping it up made a noticeable improvement in cooling. The condenser is also critical—last time I washed my car, I noticed the fins were caked with a thick layer of willow catkins and dead insects. After blasting them clean with a water hose, the AC efficiency improved significantly. Finally, I recommend running the AC regularly. I didn’t use it at all for several months in winter, and the compressor’s seals ended up drying and cracking. Also, try to park in the shade whenever possible—if the car sits in direct sunlight, the interior gets too hot, putting extra strain on the AC system.
As a regular at auto repair shops for ten years, I know air conditioning issues usually stem from three areas. Refrigerant leaks are most common—loose pipe connections or condenser punctures by road debris can cause leaks, requiring professional leak detection and recharge. Compressor failures are troublesome, with symptoms like belt slippage or faulty electromagnetic clutches, often accompanied by abnormal humming. Last year, my car's compressor bearings seized, costing over 800 RMB to fix. Don't neglect the cooling system—dust-clogged condensers in front of the radiator or non-functioning fans reduce efficiency. Remember the cabin air filter too—I've seen some so clogged they only allow one-third airflow. For DIY checks, feel if the AC low-pressure pipe is cold or listen for normal compressor engagement sounds.
