The principle of operation & faults of the heating system in the car, and do you need to turn on the air conditioner in the winter

A quite frequent breakage in the car — is not working or partially working stove and air conditioning system. With the help of this system, which is responsible for heating, air conditioning and air filtration, it maintains the most comfortable temperature inside the car. Moreover, in cars starting from E class, the temperature in the cabin can be conditionally adjusted for the driver of each passenger separately. Previously, the principle of the heating system was briefly disclosed in the blog topic: "Comfortable interior for the driver and passengers”. As we wrote earlier, the sensors of that system evaluate weather conditions and provide optimal temperature conditions in the car. The operation of the heating system is provided by an electric control unit.

The electrical control unit (ECU) is responsible for the operation of all electrical systems, and the car, computers, navigators, controllers ABS, ESP, etc. Faults in its functionality will cause troubles not only with the heating system and air condensation, but also with other systems. ECU receives arrays of information from all sensors (speed, temperature, pressure, etc.) and sends commands to the actuators through a special software algorithm processes the data.

Settings entered by the driver or passengers will be a signal input for the ECU, in its turn, they ensure the operation of the heating, ventilation and air condensation system. What is more, the ECU, depending on weather conditions, can adjust the temperature by ± 2°C.

Generally, and without concentration to the technical nuances, this system consists of a radiator, two water valves, a compressor and a fan, a condenser, a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor, and a pressure reducing valve. One of the most common causes of the stove brokenness can be breakage of the fan or fuse. The cost of these parts is not high and replace the parts is not difficult.

The second reason is the leak of the radiator or pipe. The problem of low level of antifreeze is actual for cars of previous generations. Modern cars are equipped with a coolant level sensor.

The third reason may come from the fixing process of the second. If the radiator flows, it can be corrected by sealants implication, but if you approach this insufficiently qualified, the radiator can be clogged. Moreover, it can be caused by the appropriate mixture of the tosol cooling agent and/or antifreeze.

Functioning of the pump and the engine’s thermostat are responsible for the antifreeze circulation and allow the motor not to get overheated, and make the stove work properly. Therefore, problems with the thermostat or pump are fraught with more serious problems than not working the stove. At the same time, when driving above the third gear the stove may not work, and at low speeds to warm up the cabin properly. This indicates a breakdown of the thermostat. It must be replaced.

Another reason is when the cabin filter is clogged. It must be changed 1 time for 1.5 -2 years, depending on how often you drive a car and use heating or air conditioning.

What is about air conditioning?

In winter, turning on of the conditioning is necessary and it is repeatedly confirmed fact. First and foremost, the downtime will have a negative impact on the system, namely, the oil lubricant flows on the bottom and in the summer the system starts working “dry”, the tubes dry out and crack after a period of rest from running the air conditioner the smell will be unpleasant. Secondly, in the cold season, the percentage of humidity is high, as will be high and humidity inside the cabin. Windows often fog up and disturb the view for the driver. Air conditioning will allow you to dry the air. Turn on the air conditioner should be 1 every two weeks for 5-10 minutes will not greatly affect fuel consumption.