Why does the car air conditioner not cool after being exposed to the sun?
3 Answers
Car air conditioner not cooling after being exposed to the sun is caused by: 1. Severe internal wear of the compressor; 2. Refrigerant leakage; 3. Circuit system failure; 4. Blockage of the liquid storage dryer; 5. Excessive moisture in the dryer or too much dust in the filter; 6. Excessive refrigerant added to the car air conditioning system. The maintenance methods for car air conditioners are: 1. Regularly check the refrigerant and freezing oil; 2. Clean the surface of the condenser; 3. Clean the surface of the evaporator. The car air conditioning device, referred to as car air conditioner, is composed of a refrigeration system, heating system, ventilation and air purification device, and a control system.
It's really frustrating when the air conditioning doesn't cool properly after being exposed to the scorching summer sun. I encountered this issue last year. The main problem is the cabin temperature soaring to 50-60°C, making it hard for the AC to handle such a high heat load immediately. My suggestion is to open the doors and windows for 2-3 minutes before starting the car to let some hot air escape. Then, turn on the ignition. Set the AC to the lowest temperature and highest fan speed, and switch to recirculation mode for better efficiency. If it still doesn't work, there's likely a system issue: the most common causes are refrigerant leakage or insufficient levels, a clogged condenser with dust or leaves reducing cooling efficiency, or a loose compressor belt losing power. For older cars, the AC filter might not have been changed in two years, blocking airflow, or the refrigerant pipe joints may have aged and started leaking. It's best to visit a professional shop to check refrigerant levels with a pressure gauge and clean the condenser fins while you're at it.
I've thought about the issue of reduced AC efficiency after sun exposure many times, and the core problem is that the car turns into a giant oven. Both the glass and metal body transfer heat, making it extremely difficult for the AC to combat this heat. Here's how I personally solve it: Before getting in the car, use sunshades to cover both the front and rear windows completely. After turning on the AC, don't immediately set it to the lowest temperature—instead, use maximum fan speed for two minutes before lowering the temperature. If this method still doesn't work, you need to check a few key points: First, see if the cabin air filter is clogged like felt—stick your hand near the vents to feel the airflow. Next, check if the condenser fins are blocked—this component is located at the front of the car, and when dirty, its cooling efficiency drops by half. Finally, consider whether the refrigerant needs topping up—older cars naturally lose about 10% annually. Remember to regularly clean the cooling system to prevent this issue.
