ALL ABOUT AIR CONDITIONING
As the summer heats up, you rely more on your vehicle’s air conditioning system for
comfortable driving. But if you’re not an automotive Air Conditioning (AC) expert, the
odds are you don’t know exactly how the system works. We’re here to explain the
basics, along with descriptions of symptoms that may indicate when your AC system
isn’t blowing as coldly as it should.
AC systems remove heat and humidity from the air to provide greater passenger
comfort. When warm air is pulled into the air circulation system, it is cooled and
conditioned as it flows over the evaporator fins. The cold refrigerant in the evaporator
absorbs heat. This absorbed heat is then rejected through the condenser to the
outside air. The compressor moves the refrigerant through the system. When the
refrigerant flows through the condenser, the condenser operates much like the radiator. Heat is released through the fins of the condenser
in the same manner that heat from the engine coolant leaves the radiator. The refrigerant then returns to the evaporator, where it absorbs
heat from inside the vehicle, and then the cycle repeats itself.
In addition to heat, humidity is also removed from the air. As the air passes over the evaporator fins, moisture condenses on the fins and
flows out of the vehicle through the evaporator drain. The moisture condensing on the fins traps dust and pollen and helps clean the
passenger compartment air.
TIME FOR AN AIR CONDITIONING INSPECTION
If your vehicle displays any of the symptoms below, have it inspected:
• The air blowing out of the vents is cool, but not as cold as it used to be.
• Performance is spotty or intermittent — it will blow cold, but seems to cut out for a while before blowing cold again.
• The oor is inexplicably wet (the water drain hole may be plugged).
• Excessive noise when the AC is on.
• Odor — if it smells like a musty gym locker when the AC is on, have the system inspected right away for mold
or bacteria that likes to grow in dark, damp places, like the evaporator.
Your ACDelco-affiliated facility can perform the inspection and necessary repairs on your vehicle’s AC system.
It’s the sure-fire way to keep cool this summer!
FREE ACDelco BOOKLET FOR WOMEN
HELPS TAKE THE SCARE OUT OF CAR CARE
Many women feel intimidated when it’s time to take a vehicle to the service shop. A free booklet from ACDelco called “Knowledge is
Power” is designed to help them make informed car care and repair decisions. You can request a copy at acdelco.com.
The “Knowledge is Power” booklet is designed to fit in a glove box. It was developed by professionals
who specialize in training and uses easy-to-understand, consumer-friendly terms. The booklet covers:
• Preventive car care services and when they’re needed
• How to accurately and completely describe vehicle troubles to a technician
• A glossary of commonly used automotive service terms
• Symptoms, noises and smells that may indicate potential problems
• Tips for safe motor vehicle travel
• How occupant safety restraints such as safety belts and air bags work
• Child passenger safety and teen driving tips
• How to stay safe in the event of a vehicle breakdown
The booklet isn’t a “how-to” manual, but it gives women two very important tools — knowledge and confidence — the next time their
cars need service.
WHAT’S THAT SIGHT?
DRIVEWAY STAINS
Stains on the driveway are annoying — and indicators of possible service or repair work.
Here’s how to decipher them (bring a rag — you’ll need to touch the stain):
Black stain — It’s probably engine oil.
Reddish stain — It could be transmission fluid.
Greenish stain — If it’s greenish or has a slightly greasy/slimy feel on your fingers or feels thinner than
motor oil, it may be coolant/antifreeze.
Water — Water that drips beneath the vehicle and dries without leaving a stain is from the AC system
and is generally nothing to worry about.
Regardless of the stain’s source, it should be inspected immediately. Leaking fluids can reduce their safe operating level,
which could lead to greater problems. Tell your ACDelco technician about the driveway stains and have the vehicle inspected right away!
TRUE TALES FROM THE SHOP —
AN ELECTRIFYING EXPERIENCE
When Linda Ciaffone’s car died on the freeway, she had little
choice but to have it towed to the nearest repair facility for
an inspection. The symptoms pointed to an electrical system
problem, which the repair shop seemed to fix, but it returned
the day after she picked up the car. Frustratingly, it was an
intermittent problem, allowing the car to perform fine for a day
or two before acting up again.
Before Linda could return to the shop that had performed the
repair work, the car died on her again — this time in the rain and
with her 3-year-old granddaughter in the backseat.
“I didn’t know the shop that did the work, but because I wasn’t near home or my local repair shop, I didn’t have another easy option,”
she says. “But because the car died in my hometown the second time, I took it to my regular shop.”
That shop was an ACDelco-affiliated repair facility, and Linda’s experience was much different.
“They found the problem in about 10 minutes and we were on the road again,” she says. “It was a loose connection under the hood,
which the other shop totally missed. I haven’t had any more problems. I was really thankful for their good work.”
It may not have been the type of electrifying experience she was looking for, but Linda Ciaffone’s connection to her repair shop is
stronger than ever.
TELL US YOUR STORY!
We want to hear about the ACDelco-affiliated repair shop that impressed you with their skill, professionalism or a simple gesture that exceeded
your expectations and share it with r
eaders in an upcoming issue. E-mail your story to
[email protected].
We’ll contact you if we want to use your story.
HOW DO I TELL A NEW STAIN FROM AN OLD ONE?
Place a piece of cardboard or a paper grocery bag under the engine when you’re home for the evening and check
it in the morning. A fresh stain on the cardboard means you’ll need to have the car inspected.
