Auto AC Repair and Recharge in Sioux Falls, SD 57105

How Your Auto Air Conditioning Works

Contrary to popular belief, your auto air conditioning doesn’t simply create cool air. Actually, the process is quite a bit more complicated and multifaceted than that. It begins when the compressor condenses your vehicle’s refrigerant—raising its temperature and sending it to the condenser, where it begins to lose heat. Passing through a dryer, the air is stripped of pollutants and airborne contaminants. In the accumulator, it’s cooled further still, and also depressurized. It eventually makes its way to the ventilation system, where it’s cooled down completely, and is released into your cabin as nice, refreshing air.

Is it Time for Air Conditioning Service?

If you ever find that your auto air conditioning isn’t working as it’s supposed to—that is, that your auto air conditioning no longer provides nice, cool air—that’s the #1 sign that it’s time for an AC check. With that said, there’s merit to getting AC service done as regular, preventative maintenance—perhaps when you have your tires rotated or your oil changed. This allows you to stay on top of your AC help, and address any potential issues before they spiral out of control.

How Frequent are Auto Air Conditioning Problems?

The good news is that most vehicle owners don’t have very frequent auto air conditioning problems—and you can minimize the risk further still by investing in a routine AC check. Having an AC recharge every year or so is likely enough.

How Your Auto Air Conditioning REALLY Works

A lot of drivers have the auto air conditioning system all wrong. They assume it’s pretty straightforward, creating and then disseminating cool air. Actually, it’s quite a bit more complicated than that. In a multi-step process that begins at the compressor and ends at your air vents, the auto air conditioning actually creates warm air, then strips out all the moisture and contaminants—cooling and depressurizing it all the while. Obviously, this requires a lot of work, so it stands to reason that the auto air conditioning system might need to be inspected and repaired from time to time.

Know When to Get an AC Check

Certainly, you should be getting an AC check as part of your regular vehicle maintenance. This helps you to stay on top of any potential issues, and address small problems before they become big ones. Getting an AC check once or twice a year, perhaps when you get your oil changed or tires rotated, can be a great way to invest in the lifespan of your car.