Automotive air conditioning systems are designed to leak. Car engines vibrate, the pipe work moves and the rubber ‘O’ rings expand and contract, all allowing leakage. Over a period of 12 months up to as much as 10 - 15% of the air conditioning refrigerant may have escaped from the system, leaving the air conditioning system to gradually perform poorly and eventually stop.
CONDENSER:
The Condenser is usually located at the front of the vehicle behind the grill, it can become damaged by debris or corroded by materials from the road. It can also fail because of weak spots in its construction and lack of regular servicing.
COMPRESSOR:
The Compressor is mounted on the engine and is driven by a belt from the engine's crankshaft pulley. The most common reasons for failure are lack of oil, pulley bearing wear, electromagnetic coil burn-out and lack of regular servicing.
FILTER DRIER:
This is a very important part of the air conditioning system and should be changed at least every two years or when the system is repaired. The most common reasons for failure, is corrosion and desiccant deterioration, which leads to severe system failure.
EXPANSION DEVICE:
The most common reasons for failure are contamination, moisture and lack of regular servicing.
EVAPORATOR:
The most common reasons for failure are corrosion, weak spots in construction and lack of regular servicing.