Having a car without a proper functioning air conditioning system during the summer can mean taking a lot of uncomfortable drives all season long. A well-functioning air conditioning system helps to keep you and your passengers cool and comfortable, whether you’re driving around the corner or across the state.
Typically, the first sign that your air conditioning system needs to be serviced is your air not blowing quite as cold as it used to. The temperature of your air will gradually increase as your A/C system works less and less efficiently, eventually leaving you with no A/C at all. It is important to have your A/C serviced as soon as you notice an issue, as the refrigerant in your A/C system also works as a lubricant. Running your A/C when it is low can cause issues similar to what an engine will experience if you let it run low on oil; the internal components will rub against each other, causing wear to the parts. Eventually this wear can lead to serious damage that may require replacing your compressor, which is a costly process. Read on to learn more about how your A/C system works, as well as what an A/C service does to help avoid costly repairs.
How Does An A/C System Work?
Your vehicle’s air conditioning system, or A/C, cools and removes moisture from the air inside of your vehicle using three main components: the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator.
The compressor, driven by the vehicle’s drive belt, pumps the refrigerant through the A/C system. Inside this closed system, the refrigerant is exposed to high and low pressure, forcing it to change states between gas and liquid in order to capture and then release heat. While in a gas state, the refrigerant passes through the evaporator, capturing heat. The refrigerant then moves through the A/C lines and into the condenser, where the refrigerant cools as heat is released outside of the passenger compartment, and the refrigerant returns to a liquid.
For the system to work optimally, it must have the proper amount of refrigerant and be free of contaminants. Over time, your refrigerant can become contaminated with dust or water, which makes it work less efficiently. This is what causes you to need to have your A/C system serviced.
What Does an A/C Service Do?
During an A/C service, your Chicagoland Jiffy Lube® technician will visually inspect the air conditioning compressor drive belt, serpentine belt and all accessible components for cracks, leaks and damage. Then the technician will check the operation of the air conditioning compressor. If no leaks or damage are found, they evacuate the refrigerant from the system, vacuum test and recharge the air conditioning system using the appropriate refrigerant according to your vehicle manufacturer’s specification. If a leak is detected, your Chicagoland Jiffy Lube® technician will recommend the next steps that need to be taken before they can service your A/C system.
So don’t let the heat of summer catch you in a hot, stuffy car. Stop by your nearest Chicagoland Jiffy Lube® location anytime for an A/C system service!
https://www.jiffylube.com/auto-services/engine/ac-evacuation-and-recharge
Jiffy Lube® recommends following manufacturer recommendations, where applicable, for maintenance schedules and service intervals.
Not all services are offered at each Jiffy Lube® location. Please check with your local Jiffy Lube® service center for specific services offered.