Why is the car air conditioner not cooling in summer?
4 Answers
Here is the relevant introduction about the car air conditioner not cooling in summer: 1. Lack of refrigerant: In fact, even if the air conditioner is tightly sealed, it still cannot prevent the refrigerant from escaping, plus there may be minor leaks in the air conditioning pipes or condenser. Most of the refrigerant loss is due to leakage. If the car's air conditioner is not working well and starts to malfunction again after refilling the refrigerant for a while, then attention should be paid. Generally, when this happens, it often means a costly repair is needed. If the condenser is leaking, it needs to be replaced. The method to check for leaks is also quite troublesome, usually involving adding fluorescent agent to the refrigerant oil and using special glasses to inspect. 2. Damaged air conditioning flap: The failure of the air conditioning flap motor is relatively rare, but it has occurred. If the flap motor has a problem, it is troublesome. The flap motor is usually located in the lower middle part of the instrument panel and serves as the main switch for the air conditioning vents. If it is broken, it means the switch is faulty. Even if the air conditioner can cool, the cold air can only come out through gaps, which is like drinking poison to quench thirst.
Last summer, my car's air conditioning stopped working completely, making hot days unbearable. There could be several reasons: the refrigerant might have leaked, causing insufficient system pressure and preventing the compressor from starting; the air filter might be clogged with dirt, blocking the vents and stopping cold air from coming out; or the compressor might be broken, making noise but not working. Checking is straightforward: first, see if the filter is full of dust—if so, replace it (it's not expensive); then, check the refrigerant level at a professional shop—if it's low, you'll need a refill or leak check. Loose pipe connections are also common; tightening them might fix the issue. Regular maintenance, like cleaning the condenser, is best. If not repaired promptly, long drives can lead to heatstroke and health risks, so it's best to address it early.
I remember one summer when I was driving on a trip, the air conditioning suddenly stopped cooling, and the car became as hot as a steamer. The possible reasons could be insufficient refrigerant or a leak, especially in hot weather when the compressor is under high working pressure; the air filter was too dirty and hadn't been replaced for a long time; or there was an issue with the fan or belt preventing it from turning. I checked it myself: I opened the hood to see if the compressor belt was loose and pressed it a few times with some force to test; then I looked for any oil stains near the pipes, which would indicate a refrigerant leak. These simple actions can save some money. If the problem is serious, professional repair is needed; otherwise, it could affect driving safety and comfort. When washing the car, it's good to clean the air conditioning system occasionally to avoid dust buildup.
Driving without air conditioning in summer is extremely dangerous. The main issues are refrigerant leaks or insufficient levels, causing the system to fail due to low pressure. Compressor failure or clogged filters can also lead to this problem. It occurs more frequently in hot weather when the compressor overheats and shuts down. If this happens, immediately open windows for ventilation or pull over to avoid heatstroke, and turn on hazard lights as a warning. Follow-up checks are simple: test refrigerant levels, replace filters, or inspect electrical connections. It's recommended to service the air conditioning system every season to enhance reliability.
