What Causes Car AC to Stop Cooling After Half an Hour of Operation?
2 Answers
Here are the specific reasons why a car's air conditioning stops cooling after half an hour of operation: 1. Lack of refrigerant: The AC is low on refrigerant. Unless the vehicle has been involved in a severe rear-end collision or had its AC piping and other components disassembled, affecting its sealing, the refrigerant should not deplete. 2. Dirty condenser: The radiator and condenser are crucial cooling components of the vehicle. If they are too dirty, it can lead to poor heat dissipation, which not only causes engine overheating but also directly affects the cooling efficiency of the AC. Therefore, if the AC performance is unsatisfactory during hot weather, consider whether the vehicle's cooling system needs cleaning. 3. Aging or loose compressor belt: Typically, the 4S shop will remind you to replace the compressor belt during maintenance. Failing to replace it on time can result in slipping during use, leading to belt breakage, unusual noises, and loss of power assistance.
I've been repairing cars for over ten years and have encountered many cases where the air conditioning stops cooling after half an hour of operation. The most common cause is refrigerant leakage—the system can manage initially, but after half an hour, the loss becomes too significant to sustain cooling. Compressor overheating is another possibility; if the fan is dirty or heat dissipation is poor, efficiency drops after half an hour. Other issues include a clogged expansion valve or faulty sensors misjudging the temperature and shutting down the system. I recommend checking if the fan is running and feeling the condenser for excessive heat. If there's a strange odor, it might indicate a leak. Don't delay—take it to a professional shop right away. Driving without AC in summer is unbearable and can even affect safety. Regularly cleaning the radiator fins during car washes can prevent many of these issues.
