What does an air conditioning condenser do?

The condenser sits at the front of the radiator and is an integral part of your air conditioning (AC) system. It converts the refrigerant gas into a cold liquid to provide chilled air throughout your vehicle, to keep you and your passengers at a comfortable temperature on a hot day.

Peugeot

Peugeot is a French automotive manufacturer, initially founded in 1810 as a manufacturer of coffee and bicycles that went on to build internal combustion engine cars from 1890.

How popular is Peugeot in the United Kingdom?

With possibly its strongest model line-up in years, Peugeot is looking to turn around its current dip in vehicle numbers on the UK roads today. After a steady rise over the decade from 1995 to 2005, from 1.1million to 2.1million, the current tally has slowly dropped to a mere 1.8million—a strong total despite the depreciation in numbers.

A mixed range of sensibly priced cars

With 21 standard vehicle models available from the full Peugeot line-up, that’s a lot of choice when buying a car.

Without doubt, it’s their SUV offerings that are leading the way; the innovation and technology applied to these stronger models will hopefully be developed through the rest of the range, bringing them into line with what the buying public expect from their motoring today.

The modern Peugeot: executive styling in the making

Catering for city driving, Peugeot has smaller models available that include the 108 city car and the 208 supermini, next up is the 308 hatchback, and then the majority of the models in today’s line-up is their range of SUVs.

However, the 508 saloon, featuring fastback type styling, has grown into an attractive low-slung 5-door coupé. More cars like this could enhance Peugeot’s positioning away from the mid-stream and into executive status.

The historic and iconic Peugeot 205 GTI

It was in the 1980s when the 205 was introduced and seemed responsible for turning around the success of the company. The supermini model was applauded for its style and handling, which led to sales topping 50k units a year.

In 1984 the GTI was launched with a 1.6-litre engine; soon followed by a 1.9-litre model. The high-performance hatchback set standards in thrill-seeking for younger drivers everywhere.

Could the new range of SUVs be responsible for another similarly styled comeback for the French giant?

How often should a condenser need replacing?

A well-maintained and properly serviced condenser should last as long as your car will. However, as with all vehicle components, they’re prone to wear and tear, and leakage and blockage can create irreparable damage.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

A faulty air conditioner won’t affect your car’s MOT but it can affect the comfort of you and your passengers. It’s worth keeping your air conditioning running at its optimum performance as the impact it can have on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency could significantly affect the day-to-day cost of your motoring.

What happens when we replace your condenser?

• Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will check for possible fault codes relating to your air conditioning that could lead them directly to a condenser fault.

• Wherever required your condenser will be replaced and you’ll be advised of any other connected or associated problems arising from its malfunction.

• You will also be advised of any other parts that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.

• Once the faulty condenser has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure the correct running of the new part and make any adjustments required for its premium operation.

What causes an AC condenser to stop working correctly?

There are a variety of reasons your AC condenser could need replacing. It could be that the fan has stopped functioning correctly, or that the condenser has developed a leak or blockage somewhere. It may be because it has become clogged by refrigerant contaminated with unwanted elements, infiltrating it from other parts of the system. It’s also possible that objects being thrown up from the road—including gravel, litter and other debris—could cause damage to interfere with your condenser’s correct operation.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning AC condenser

Your air con isn’t as cold as normal or not working at all

Your condenser could have stopped working correctly if you notice that the air conditioning in your car isn’t providing the usual levels of cold air as normal, or if it isn’t working at all.

You can hear a ticking sound or see liquid

A ticking sound from your engine or areas of liquid leaking around the air conditioning unit are signs that your condenser could be malfunctioning.

Your fuel consumption isn’t as high as normal

A malfunctioning condenser could also affect your fuel consumption, so if you notice that you’re not achieving your usual mpg, it could be time to have your condenser checked out.