What is the temperature of the high-pressure pipe in a car's air conditioning system?
2 Answers
The temperature of the high-pressure pipe in a car's air conditioning system is approximately 80 to 120 degrees. Reasons for the high-pressure pipe not being hot include insufficient refrigerant, excessive opening of the expansion valve, compressor not working, or compressor malfunction. The car air conditioning system mainly consists of a compressor, expansion valve, high-pressure pipeline, low-pressure pipeline, evaporator, evaporator temperature sensor, and refrigerant. The working principle of the car air conditioning system is as follows: when the AC switch is pressed and the blower switch is turned on, the air conditioning system enters working state. First, the compressor compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid, which then becomes a medium-temperature and low-pressure liquid after being cooled by the air conditioning radiator, and finally turns into a low-temperature and low-pressure gas after being throttled by the expansion valve.
I drive frequently and have some basic knowledge about air conditioning systems. Normally, the temperature of a car's AC high-pressure line ranges between 60 to 80 degrees Celsius, which is quite common. Especially in summer, the temperature tends to be higher, approaching 70 or 80 degrees, since the engine compartment is already hot. The high-pressure line is the section where the compressor discharges refrigerant—after compression, the refrigerant heats up, so it feels very hot to the touch. Be careful not to touch it. If the temperature is too high, exceeding 85 degrees, it might indicate insufficient refrigerant or a system leak. If it's below 60 degrees, the compressor may not be functioning properly. I’ve encountered similar issues before—when the AC cooling performance drops, it's time for a check-up. During maintenance, it’s advisable to use a thermometer to measure the temperature and ensure everything is working fine; otherwise, it could affect fuel efficiency and comfort. Remember to service the AC regularly—cleaning the condenser fins helps maintain stable temperatures.
