Driver Hand Tuning Air Ventilation

How To Install An A/C In Your Car

Air conditioning in cars has made driving more comfortable especially when one has to drive for many miles or sit for hours in a traffic jam in hot weather. Every year, car manufacturers look for new innovations to make vehicles more luxurious and comfortable. Over the years, the technology behind car air conditioning has evolved and modern cars are now fitted with systems that are easy to operate and more efficient. If you have an older car model which does not have an A/C system or looking to fit a newer system in your vintage automobile, you have an option to fit aftermarket systems. These systems are designed to fit a wide range of cars and they are also easy to fit.

Important Steps to Keep in Mind

If you are wondering if the aftermarket systems will fit your car, you will be glad to know that there are universal kits that are designed to be compatible with most cars. Once you get an aftermarket kit, how do you install it?

  • Start with the kit: An aftermarket A/C kit usually includes a number of spacers, for both the mounting the compressor to the bracket and the bracket. You need to use a straight edge in the belt grooves which helps to line up the crank pulleys, power steering and compressor
  • Install the condenser: After, remove the latch mechanism in the bonnet and then slide the condenser into place. To support the condenser, fasten it on each side of the radiator support panel tabs. The condenser is designed to receive hot compressed gases from the compressor.
  • Fitting the receiver-dryer: Next to the condenser, the receiver-dryer should be tucked behind the headlight panel on the passenger side. When you buy the aftermarket kit, a pressure switch is supplied with it. Fit the pressure switch which you will use to turn the compressor on and off.
  • Fitting pipes and hoses: In the aftermarket kit, hoses ad pipes are included which need to be fitted in the right places. Hoses need to be crimped so that means you need to have specialized equipment to be able to do this.
  • Installing the heater tap: Remove the glovebox so that you get better access to rear of the dash. This is the place a heater tap will be installed and it will meet old coolant lines that lead to the heater core.
  • Return line installation: To install the return line from the evaporator to the compressor, you can either use existing holes and if it is not possible, you have to use a step drill to create one.
  • Achieve correct belt tension: Be careful not to use the wrong belt tension since it will create problem to your air conditioning system later on. Find a tensioner pulley in your kit and use a hex spanner to adjust the front plate of the compressor into the correct tension.
  • Fitting the hoses: When fitting hoses, place them where you want them and then use a hose cutter and cut to length to get a nice clean cut. Be careful not to leave the ends torn up. You don’t want to experience leaks from your system later on.

Unless you have the experience in car A/C installation, it is best to hire a professional technician to do the job for you. Doing this will ensure that your system is perfectly fitted and will reduce chances of your system from developing any problems down the road.