Do you know what freon is and its function? Why is it necessary to tell if freon is low in your car? We will explain why it is required and the six symptoms of low freon in a vehicle in this article.
In reality, freon is a cooling reagent brand, but it has become so popular that now freon is synonymous with the word refrigerant. The air conditioning system of a vehicle depends on freon to perform effectively. The compressor compresses the refrigerant to increase its temperature. It’s then passed through the coils to absorb the heat from the air conditioning unit and change into liquid form.
Next, the liquid freon moves between the expansion valve and evaporates to become gaseous. This gas then travels through the coils in the AC system and reduces the temperature of air AC sends out. So if the freon is not working correctly, the AC of your vehicle will not work.
Symptoms Of Low freon in A Car
It’s not just the AC that stops working when freon is low; many other problems might occur due to low freon. Here are some of those symptoms
Loss of Refrigerant While Driving
If the temperature of your car rises while driving abruptly, this is an indication that there might be a leak in the hoses, seals, or fitting. In this case, a cloud-like discharge will be visible at the place the refrigerant is leaking. There will be the smell of refrigerant in the cabin, and you might hear a hissing sound.
Obvious Leaks:
freon in the liquid state also has a lubricating effect on the compressor components. It’s greasy but has a low viscosity. If you doubt that the freon level is low in your car, check different vehicle parts if they are covered in some film or liquid. To be sure, wipe the liquid off the components, but the chances of a leak are high if it comes back again after a few moments.
Low Gauge Readings
Another way to find out about the low freon is by checking the AC pressure readings. To measure this reading, you will need to use manifold gauges.
Sight Glass
If your vehicle comes with a sight glass, finding out if your car has low freon will be very easy. At the high-pressure point, you will be able to observe the movement of freon.
When the freon is normal, you will be able to see the fluid moving through the point, but if you see some bubbles in the liquid, it means the freon level is lower than usual, and if there is no movement, it means there is no freon in the car.
AC is Not Blowing Cold Air
This is a prevalent symptom. When the AC starts blowing hot air instead of cold air, it might indicate a low freon level.
Clutch not Engaging
When we turn the AC on, a clicking sound shows that the AC clutch is engaged. This sound occurs, or the clutch is involved due to enough freon pressure in the AC, but when you do near hear that noise, it might mean there is low pressure in your car.