Any modern car implies a high level of comfort, which is impossible without air conditioning. However, the installation of such a device is not provided for inexpensive cars. To solve this problem, you can purchase a dedicated air conditioning kit for self-assembly. This is not an easy task, but it can be done.
Air conditioner selection
Before purchasing this unit, carefully study the instructions for your car in order to choose an air conditioner that matches the power of the engine of the car. In a good, specialized auto store, you will probably be offered a catalog in which you can choose the most suitable model. Be sure to check if any additional hardware is included. It should include:
- compressor with belt;
- capacitor (or condenser);
- receiver (or dehumidifier);
- evaporator (heat collector);
- control unit, sensors, tubes, valves and other necessary components;
- detailed instructions for assembling, installing the product (in Russian).
Pay attention to the manufacturer's warranty; here it is necessary to remember that the warranty period for the air conditioner is one thing, but the installation warranty is quite another. Of course, with self-installation, you will not have such a guarantee.
When purchasing an air conditioner, it is advisable to decide in advance on the type of assembly of your car. The fact is that Japanese, Korean and European cars have characteristic design features that affect the location of the evaporator. If the car is Japanese or Korean, then the evaporator will surely fit under the dashboard, which greatly simplifies installation. In European cars, the evaporator is usually installed in the engine compartment - here you may already have to tinker.
Air conditioner installation
First assemble the compressor in the garage, on the floor, strictly following the assembly instructions. After connecting the parts, make sure that everything is in place and you don't have to buy anything. Next, study your car manual again - modern cars usually already have a place for an air conditioner.
First put the compressor and the clutch (this includes the pressure plate, pulley, solenoid coil), the installation is carried out on the motor. Next, you should install the radiator of the air conditioner, most often it is mounted in front of the car radiator. Special care must be taken here, as the radiator fins are quite thin. Now you can put the evaporator in the salon or under the hood.
The next step is the installation of a receiver dehumidifier, which must be connected between the air conditioning radiator and the control valve. The accumulator dryer is connected between the condenser and the evaporator. All the units described above are connected by pipes that are filled with refrigerant. When using the air conditioner, do not forget that fuel consumption increases by 5-10%.
