It's not just as easy to work on an automotive air conditioning system as ?opening the fridge?. What basic steps and precautions should and must be employed when it comes to being around as well as working on these automotive air conditions be it car, truck, van or S.U.V.



First of all avoid contact with charged refrigeration systems, even when working on another part of the vehicles air conditioning system or vehicle. For example if a heavy tool comes into contact with a section of copper tubing or a heat exchanger it can easily cause the relatively soft and even fragile material to rupture. This is especially and evens more true and an inherent danger if the part or component is under direct pressure.

Next when it comes necessary to apply force to a fitting which contains refrigerant, such as when checking and verifying that all securely tightened , be sure to make it a practice and indeed habit to use a solid wrench on both parts of the fitting involved, well at least to how much is both practical in the situation or possible. It can be said by doing so, that this will best avoid putting ?torque? on the refrigerant tubing. On top of that, it is advisable if at all possible to use either tube or line wrenches when tightening ?flare ?nut fittings.

It is always best and wise practice and now indeed not allowed and illegal according to the rules of most states and regions not to ever discharge an air conditioning system merely by loosening a fitting or removing service valves. To do so is to risk large fines, your mechanics license and accreditation and of course your reputation and livelihood. What used to be standard practice years and years ago in the automotive trade is now simply not allowed and illegal on top of that.

When working on systems make it a practice never to start a system without first verifying that both service valves are back seated. If so equipped and that all fittings throughout the system are snugly connected. As well avoid applying heat to any refrigerant line or storage container. Charging may be aided and assisted by using water heated to 125 degrees F ( that is equivalent to 52 degrees Celsius) to warm the refrigerant container or containers. However never ever allow a refrigerant storage container to sit out in the sun, much like you are careful never to leave over inflated tires in a similar situation. Or near any other source of heat ? such as an auto radiator.

Lastly two points. First of all even though it may be in the hot dead of summer always remember that frost bite from rapidly deflated liquid refrigerant is always a safety concern and danger inherent in this field of auto repair. It's no accident that often the work of repair of auto air conditioners is left to highly trained specialists. If frostbite does occur, it should be treated by first warming the area with cool water, and then gently applying petroleum jelly. A physician should be consulted.

Finally make it a solid point always to wear protective goggles when working on an air conditioning system. Accidents can happen in a flash when working on air conditioning systems. Your eyes are a most precious gift, resource and tool to anyone working on and working with automotive vehicles Always wear eye protection when working with and on auto air conditioning systems.

This way both you and your customers will be happily and safely driving down the roads and highways in cool air conditioned comfort.