The air conditioning system in your car is an integral part of your comfort. Imagine driving down an open road in the middle of summer with no breeze to keep you cool. If your car’s air conditioning system has even broken down, you won’t have to imagine. Also, most people have experienced the frustration of dealing with a malfunctioning A/C at least once. If you’re hoping to take better care of your car’s A/C system to prevent future breakdowns before they happen, you may want to consider investing in products containing specially formulated lubricant. Choosing the products you use carefully means you can slow down the natural aging process of the components that make up your car’s A/C system. Preventing them from becoming worn will significantly improve their lifespan, and will save you the hassle, time, and money in the long run.
How does your car’s air conditioner work?
To understand how lubricants can help the A/C system in your car, you’ll first need a good grasp of how it works. Every car’s A/C system uses refrigerant, which is a cooling agent. Refrigerant is essentially a mixture designed to change physical state under different pressures. These physical changes result in temperature changes that, in turn, cause the air coming from your vents and into the interior of your car to cool.
The four main components are as follows:
- The compressor
The compressor operates using an electrical motor to pressurize the refrigerant, which turns to a gas at this stage.
- The condenser
At this stage, the refrigerant liquefies by releasing heat to the outside of the car.
- Expansion valve
This valve restricts the flow of the refrigerant, causing the pressure to drop as the fluid passes through. As it leaves the expansion valve, the refrigerant is now a low-pressure fluid.
- The evaporator
The final stage of the process occurs as the refrigerant enters the evaporator and vaporizes into a gas by absorbing heat. A fan pushes the air through the coils of the evaporator before it leaves the system as cold air.
Why lubricating the system is so important
Playing close attention to the lubricant in your car’s refrigerant will help you keep the whole system working well. Most refrigerants contain a lubricant of some kind. The job of the lubricant is to keep the compressor running smoothly and stop it from becoming run-down before it should. Lubricants used in air conditioners are usually comprised of a special blend of additives and base oils, so that the mixture can provide decent lubrication while still being compatible with the refrigerant it’s interacting with.
What happens to the compressor without appropriate lubrication is increased friction between its various parts. Because the compressor is motorized, adequate oil lubrication is essential to its performance and longevity. Oil provides a protective layer that helps to minimize corrosion and helps to maintain the right temperature.
The best lubricants for your car’s A/C system
Choosing products with lubricant at the forefront of your mind is always a good idea. Being aware that your compressor’s health relies on proper lubrication will help you narrow down which refrigerants you choose to use. We’ve compiled a list of products that contain superb lubricants that meet international standards of excellence. Using the products available at https://supercool.ac/ is an easy way to increase the longevity of your car’s A/C system.
- PAG Oil 46 Viscosity 8 oz. – PAG 46 oil R134a Lubricant
This product is a synthetic lubricant. It provides incredible resistance to moisture and is specially formulated for systems using R134a. With its conditioners, inhibitors, and anti-wear agents, this product will do an excellent job of protecting your compressor. Over time, you’ll notice that this lubricant has reduced the amount of wear you’d typically find on your compressor.
- HFO-1234yf Oil
This is a wonderful option if your car system uses HFO-1234yf refrigerant. It provides all the benefits of the product listed above.
- PAG Oil 46 Viscosity + UV Dye 8 oz.
This lubricant is also compatible with R134a systems. Unlike the first product mentioned, this product also contains UV dye. If you’re concerned about leaks that have formed or could form in your system, this lubricant will help you identify them quickly as easily. Because the escaping refrigerant will be invisible to the human eye, including UV, the dye will make it easy to spot with a compatible light source.
- R-134a with Performance Booster and Leak Sealer
This product is a refrigerant, leak sealer, and lubricant all at once. It contains 10 oz. of refrigerant and 2 oz. of lubricant. If you need to recharge the refrigerant in your car after a leak or a part replacement, consider using this refrigerant instead of your old one. It will improve the condition of your compressor, and the leak sealer it contains will keep small leaks at bay.
Why Supercool?
We’ve chosen Supercool’s products because of their excellent track record and their impressive collection of certifications. Supercool is ISO 9001 Certified, for example, which guarantees that its products are of a superb industrial standard. Supercool’s products undergo a series of rigorous tests before they are certified, so you can be sure that they will be of the highest quality.
Conclusion
If you’re concerned about the overall health of your car’s A/C system, understanding its various parts is the first step. The compressor and the motor inside it is often a cause of grief for car owners. Without proper care, it can break easily. No one enjoys driving in a car with a broken air conditioner! Lubricating your compressor is an excellent way to keep it in good condition and extend its lifespan. Choosing lubricants that are compatible with your car’s specific type of A/C system is crucial. If you combine incompatible materials, you may do more harm than good. If you’re in doubt, be sure to check with a professional about which lubricant is best for you.
