What are the reasons for poor air conditioning cooling in a Civic?
2 Answers
Poor cooling performance can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. Prolonged use of external circulation: Some cases of poor air conditioning cooling are caused by incorrect usage habits, such as keeping the external circulation on while the air conditioning is running. Running the air conditioning while maintaining external circulation essentially draws hot air from outside into the vehicle, naturally reducing the cooling efficiency. Therefore, during hot weather, it is advisable to switch back to internal circulation promptly after ventilating with external circulation. Of course, it is not recommended to use internal circulation continuously either, as prolonged lack of air circulation inside the vehicle can easily lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. The best approach is to alternate between internal and external circulation. 2. Air conditioning filter: The role of the air conditioning filter is to remove impurities from the outside air, such as dust and pollen. With prolonged operation, the filter will inevitably accumulate a thick layer of dirt. If not replaced or thoroughly cleaned, this will certainly result in reduced airflow and poor cooling performance. It is recommended to replace or clean the filter during every car maintenance service.
I've been driving a Civic for many years and have encountered poor air conditioning cooling performance several times. The main issue was a clogged cabin air filter with too much dust. After replacing it myself, the cold air could flow out smoothly again, which was particularly simple and practical. Another common problem is insufficient refrigerant or leaks. In Civics, the AC pipe joints are prone to aging and seepage over time, requiring a top-up; otherwise, the compressor won't even turn. Compressor failures aren't uncommon in Civics, especially in older vehicles with high usage—when the clutch slips, cooling stops completely. I recommend checking the cabin air filter and condenser fins yourself before each summer to remove dirt and improve efficiency, avoiding the hassle of pulling over for repairs in sweltering heat. The AC system should also undergo regular professional inspections to prevent minor issues from escalating. When driving, avoid always setting the temperature to the lowest to prevent overheating.
