Merry Christmas! We will be closed on December 25th for the holiday.
(703) 620-6595
11190 South Lake Drive Reston, VA 20191
Mon. - Fri. 7:00am - 6:00pm | Sat. 7:00am - 4:00pm
Se Habla Español
[GEOTITLE] [GEOADDRESSONE] [GEOADDRESSTWO] [GEOPHONE] Directions
Store Hours [GEOHOURSMONDAY] [GEOHOURSTUESDAY] [GEOHOURSWEDNSDAY] [GEOHOURSTHURSDAY] [GEOHOURSFRIDAY] [GEOHOURSSATURDAY] [GEOHOURSSUNDAY]
Current Location
[GEOTITLE] [GEOADDRESSONE] [GEOADDRESSTWO] [GEOPHONE] | Directions
Store Hours [GEOHOURSMONDAY] [GEOHOURSTUESDAY] [GEOHOURSWEDNSDAY] [GEOHOURSTHURSDAY] [GEOHOURSFRIDAY] [GEOHOURSSATURDAY] [GEOHOURSSUNDAY]
Go

News

19

A/C Problems Demystified

posted on 7/19/2016 1:00:35 PM

Believe it or not, the A/C system in your vehicle is fairly simple in principle and design. Like your refrigerator, it operates on a cycle of compression and expansion of a gas, known as refrigerant. The compressor turns the gas into a liquid, and as the gas evaporates it provides cooling. Like your refrigerator, its main components are: 
 
  • Compressor
  • Condenser 
  • Receiver/dryer
  • Thermostatic expansion valve
  • Evaporator
  • Refrigerant
  • Blower 
The good news is most automotive A/C systems have become very robust and reliable compared to cars from a generation ago. Most of the time, poor performance is due to low refrigerant levels due to leaks in the system around the O-rings, gaskets, seals, and lines (which can all dry out and shrink). Low refrigerant can mean other problems though. Since refrigerant contains oil which lubricates the compressor, low levels of refrigerant can mean an overheated compressor sending tiny shards of metal through the rest of the system to wreak havoc. 
 
These are sure signs of problems: 
 
  • A/C that's barely cooler than the air outside
  • A/C only blows cold while car is moving, not at idle 
  • Metallic clicking under the hood, as the compressor's magnetic clutch cycles the compressor on and off
  • Musty, "dirty socks" smell from air vents
  • Volume of air from vents is never enough
Obviously, all these components can potentially fail...but often they fail due to low refrigerant levels, and even a late model vehicle can lose five to ten percent of its refrigerant over a year's time. Why take chances? Recharging the system with refrigerant is easy and inexpensive, and should be part of your A/C system's (and your car's) routine maintenance! 
Categories: Auto Repair 101 | View Count: (45) | Return

Related

Visit Our Shop

Contact Us

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (703) 620-6595
Fax:
Address: 11190 South Lake Drive
Reston, VA 20191
Powered by Net Driven
Login

Tires and Auto Repair in Reston, VA

At South Lakes Sunoco, our customers are always our priority. Our team of expert auto technicians go above and beyond to make sure your tire buying, and auto repair experience is a great one. We guarantee efficient, effective, affordable and quality service. Our skilled technicians will assist you in choosing the right tires to buy from our large selection of affordable, top tire brands. We feature tires for all needs and budget from brands such as Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Bridgestone, firestone and much more. We are your most trusted source for all your auto repair and tire needs in Reston, VA, and surrounding areas. Let us earn your business. Schedule an appointment today!