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Frequently Asked Questions

Our specialists can answer all your questions about car air conditioning in Darwin.

The team at Top North Auto Air in Winnellie have many years of experience and can answer any of your questions relating to car air conditioning. Check out this page to see if your question is already answered here. If not, feel free to call us with your question. We will be happy to help.

01

A pool of water drips under my car?

If you see a puddle of water on the ground usually under the passenger side do not be alarmed.

This is a normal feature of the system as it is only water dripping from the Air Conditioing Evaporator.

The Evaporator has a drain tube fitted to allow condensation to drain away from vehicle.

02

Incorrect Refrigerant or Oil Charge

Car airconditioners manufactured after the year 2000 have a smaller capacity, therefore use less refrigerant & oil.The compressor are extremely sensitive to inadequate amounts of oil. R134a systems  are more sensitive than R12 systems.  An over charge of oil can clog the Condensor Assy, Orifice Tube or Expansion Valve.  An under charge of oil can lead to starving the compressor and compressor failure.

03

What about system leaks?

R134a Gas leaks are costly and need to be repaired once detected. Good refrigerant detectors will show most system leaks, under static conditions, however some will leak only when the system is in operation. This is where a florescent dye additive can help find small or troublesome leaks. Correct refrigerant levels are critical in the system performance.

 

04

What exactly does a drier dry?

The drier carries out 3 functions as the name suggests “Filter Receiver Drier – it filters all the sludge, oils and gas. Acts as a storage area for the refrigerant gas that is waiting to enter the cooling coil (Evaporator core) whilst also Absorbing moisture. Replacing the drier or accumulator, in addition to evacuation, will guarantee better a/c performance, suggested servicing of air conditioning systems is every 2 years .

05

Wet floor on front passengers side of the car
 This may be caused by condensation from the Evaporator housing, blocked drain hose, seal failure or cracked Evaporator housing. A technician will have to inspect evaporator housing and clean out drain hose. 

06

What does humidity have to do with my air conditioner?

An air conditioner basically dehumidifies the air, and in doing so it removes moisture from the air inside the cabin of your car. The a/c system is specifically designed and sized to cool the inside area of your car. Injecting large amounts of constant Fresh Air can overload the cooling process.                         

07

Why do I need to use an exact amount of gas?

Today’s auto air-conditioning systems use smaller amounts of gas and becomes more critical with the system charges, necessitating the need to “Balance the system better” The refrigerant gas needs to be just right when entering the cooling chamber (evaporator) and when this process has finished no more than a fine mist mixed with the oil lubricant must be returning to enter the compressor. Wrong mixtures or liquefied unused gas will either under lubricate or liquid slug the compressor causing premature failures. Too much gas will have the same effect as not enough gas, both on cooling efficiency and component damage.

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