When choosing a long bus trip, we usually do not ask if the car is equipped with air conditioning. We assume in advance that it is there and cools perfectly. We can safely call this a sign of the times, although until recently, air conditioners in buses were not something obvious, especially in public transport buses. The problem occurs when the air conditioner in the bus starts to malfunction. How to properly maintain the air conditioner?Hard air conditioner
The basis of bus air conditioning is exactly the same as in the systems used in passenger cars. The main tasks of an air conditioner are also identical – first of all, it is dehumidification, cooling and air purification. The difference lies in the complexity of the system and the number of elements in it. Public buses usually have two separate cooling systems. One of them reduces the temperature in the driver's cabin, and the other, much larger, is responsible for the temperature in the cabin. The bus air conditioner operates in more severe conditions than the air conditioners in passenger cars. It is used more often and at longer distances, which makes it more vulnerable to damage.
It is better to prevent than to treat
To avoid costly repairs, regular checks of the air conditioner should be carried out. One of the most important elements of the system is the coolant, which is responsible not only for heat transfer, but also lubricates the entire air conditioning system. Simply put, the air conditioner is maintained during its operation. A lack of refrigerant can lead to improper lubrication of the compressor, which will cause it to jam. The cost of buying a new compressor can reach several tens of thousands of rubles. Compressor regeneration is possible, but you still have to take into account the considerable costs and grounding of the bus. If the coolant level is too low, it can also increase fuel combustion. A poorly lubricated compressor does not work efficiently, which means it has to work more often and longer, and the engine is loaded every time the compressor is started. Even a clogged pollen filter can significantly reduce the air conditioner's performance. Drivers should remember to turn on the air conditioner in winter! An air conditioner that has not been used for several months may fail the first time it is turned on.
Regular checks are necessary
The bus's air conditioner must be serviced every 6 months. The first step is a thorough visual inspection and health check of the cooling system. It is also necessary to replace the pollen filter and replenish the reagent, if necessary. Major maintenance of the air conditioner must be carried out at least once a year. Then the coolant should be mechanically sucked out of the air conditioner, create a vacuum and fill the system with fresh refrigerant. Additionally, it is necessary to check the condition of the dryer, the evaporator, the tightness of the system and the condition of the cooler. It is also worth ozonizing the car in order to clean the ventilation ducts and clean the interior. A thorough check of the condition of the air conditioner and carrying out the necessary repairs is a lengthy process that usually takes a long time.
It can take up to several hours to fully service the air conditioner on the bus. However, you should opt for the services of a professional company. Let's not convince ourselves that it will take an hour to suck out the used refrigerant, create a vacuum and refuel the system. In the case of a passenger car, is it possible, but with a bus? transescort.org/trans/spain/barcelona/