Why is the car air conditioning not working well?
2 Answers
The reasons for poor car air conditioning performance are as follows: 1. Old air filter: The function of the air filter is to filter out impurities from the outside air, such as dust and pollen. After prolonged operation, the filter accumulates dirt. If not replaced or thoroughly cleaned, the air intake decreases, leading to poor cooling performance. 2. Poor heat dissipation of the condenser: The condenser is located at the very front of the car engine compartment and is a tube coiled into a spiral shape. To allow heat to dissipate quickly, its surface usually has many cooling fins. If the fins are covered with oil stains, dead leaves, or mud, their heat dissipation efficiency will be affected. 3. Insufficient refrigerant in the air compressor: If the air conditioning is not cooling, it may be due to refrigerant leakage. The leak point needs to be identified, repaired, and the refrigerant refilled to resolve the issue.
After driving for so many years, the most common issue with poor air conditioning performance is insufficient refrigerant or leaks, likely due to aging connecting pipes with gaps causing the cold air to escape. Another major culprit is a dirty air filter, where dust and debris block the air intake, restricting airflow and reducing cooling efficiency. Last time my car's AC blew warm air for ages, and upon inspection, the filter was clogged with dust—replacing it immediately made it cool again. If the compressor is aging or stuck, it can also degrade cooling performance, and poor heat dissipation may occur if the fan isn't working. Problems with the evaporator or condenser, like dirt buildup on the fins, can also hinder heat exchange. I recommend regularly replacing the filter and checking refrigerant levels during maintenance—don’t wait until summer heatwaves to scramble. A faulty fan control module is another hidden risk, so early inspection is crucial for safety.
