Function of Car AC Dryer, How It Works, and Maintenance Tips
The car AC dryer or car AC desiccant is a component of the AC cooling system that has a vital function within it. So what are its functions? For more details, please pay attention to the following review.
Functions of the Car AC Dryer
The AC dryer in a car is often referred to as the AC dryer filter or AC desiccant filter. The dryer itself consists of several components, each of which has an important function in the working mechanism of the AC cooling system. Here are some components of the AC dryer along with their functions.
1. Dryer filter
The dryer filter functions to clean dirt that is present in the refrigerant. The dryer filter can also be referred to as a fine particle filter or any kind of dirt that will mix with the freon circulation.
2. Desiccant
This component functions to prevent the accumulation and clumping of dirt in the evaporator hole.
3. Sight glass
This component functions to see and count the amount of refrigerant present in the AC cooling system.
4. Fusible plug
This component functions to keep the refrigerant in place so it does not escape, and to secure other AC dryer components in case of damage to the cooling system.
How the Car AC Dryer Works
The car AC dryer will work when the freon enters the dryer filter and the condition of the freon has not yet been changed into cold gas. When the freon first enters the filter, the AC cooling system will absorb moisture.
Then the freon will pass through the desiccant located at the top of the dryer filter tube to absorb moisture along with the liquid freon. Once the moisture absorption process is complete, other components inside the filter will automatically filter and absorb the remaining dirt that entered during the freon filling process.
Next, some of the freon will be distributed to the expansion valve to start the cooling process. Meanwhile, the remaining freon will be stored in the dryer filter. This portion of freon will later be used to cool the car AC instantly when the car AC is turned off and turned back on.
Tips for Maintaining the Car AC Dryer for Longevity
There are several tips you can use to ensure the car AC dryer lasts longer. Here are the complete tips:
1. Use the car regularly
Using the car regularly can extend the life of the AC dryer because the humidity and air circulation in the AC are maintained.
2. Turn on the AC periodically
Even if you do not need air conditioning all the time, you still need to turn on the AC periodically. This is necessary to prevent the dryer filter from excessive moisture, which can trigger dirt accumulation that causes the AC dryer filter to become clogged.
3. Perform routine maintenance
To ensure the car AC dryer lasts, you need to perform routine maintenance on this component. You can disassemble the dryer filter and clean it if the filter appears dirty. By performing disassembly and cleaning regularly, issues such as a clogged AC dryer can be prevented.
4. Regularly check the condition of the AC dryer at a workshop
To make the car AC dryer last longer, it is advisable to have regular checks at a professional workshop like an official Daihatsu workshop. This way, issues such as a clogged AC dryer can be addressed promptly. Don't forget to replace the car AC dryer every 2 years or when the car has traveled 30,000 kilometers.
