Why is the parking air conditioner not cooling effectively?
2 Answers
The reasons why the parking air conditioner is not cooling effectively are as follows: 1. Lack of refrigerant: Refrigerant loss is mainly due to leakage. If the car's air conditioner is not cooling, and after refilling the refrigerant, it stops cooling again after some time, this should be noted. 2. Dirty condenser: The air conditioner condenser and radiator are located at the front of the car. When the vehicle is moving, air enters through the central intake grille, carrying debris such as fluff and leaves, which can adhere to the air conditioner condenser and radiator. If the radiator surface is covered with foreign objects, it will affect the performance of the cooling system and air conditioning system. In severe cases, it may even lead to overheating.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and it's quite common for the parking air conditioning to not be cool enough. When parked, the fan runs but the cooling is insufficient. First, it could be due to a lack of refrigerant or a leak—without pressure in the compressor, it can't cool. A dirty filter can also block airflow, with dust causing the air blown out to not be cool enough. If the battery is low on power when parked, the air conditioning compressor might not turn, especially noticeable in older cars with aging batteries. I remember once when the parking air conditioning failed during camping, and it turned out the external circulation was blocked by leaves. When temperatures are high and the vehicle is parked for a long time, heat accumulates inside the cabin, increasing the air conditioning cooling load, making it harder to lower the temperature. It's best to regularly check the refrigeration system at a shop for refills and clean the condenser to prevent corrosion—this saves power and extends lifespan. Don’t ignore parking air conditioning issues; they can lead to higher fuel consumption and affect range. Being uncomfortably hot while resting in the car in summer isn’t good for your health either. My lesson is that regular minor maintenance can prevent major problems.
