Southern Radiator & Cooling: Your Truck or Car's AC System

At Southern Radiator & Cooling we understand how your AC system works. Your car or truck's AC system uses a Freon gas type refrigerant for cooling. For automotive applications, Freon is refined into tetrafluoroethane, a non-toxic, non-flammable and non-corrosive gas called R134a. The ability of the refrigerant gas to change its physical properties into a liquid as it is compressed and condensed keeps you cool on hot summer days.

Discover More Reliable AC Parts

Cabin Air Filters
Change your car AC cabin filters regularly to keep your car or truck cabin fresh and clean. Choose a filter offering advanced filtration technology to remove allergens, airborne contaminants, and dust. Read More About Cabin Air Filters»

Compressors and Condensers
Replace your compressor or condenser today. Your compressor and condenser use intense pressure to compress and condense liquid overtime this causes leaks and part failure. Read More About Compressors and Condensers»

Freon
For decades, Freon refrigerants have revolutionized the joy of driving. Modern Freon offers excellent cabin cooling performance and safety for all cars, trucks, and jeeps. Read More About Freon»

Freon Leak Detection
Offering leak detection kits that include advanced fluorescent leak detection dye and a compact, high-intensity LED inspection flashlight. Read More About Freon Leak Detection»

Recharging Your Car's AC
Southern Radiator & Cooling in Birmingham for Recharging Your Freon Fast

In some instances when your car's air conditioning (AC) begins to lose its cooling power or fails to blow cool air, it may be time for a simple freon recharge. Recharging your freon is often a fast and inexpensive repair that can help you beat the summer heat. But leaking freon may be caused by a cracked hose or seal. It is often an indicator that a more significant repair is needed.

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Repair Your Car's AC Compressor
Let Southern Radiator & Cooling Repair Your Car's AC Compressor

The cool air in your car is produced primarily by the compressor. The four main functions that your vehicle's compressor carries out include pressurizing the refrigerant to cool cabin air, monitoring and controlling temperature output, sensing temperature changes inside and outside the vehicle, and moving air to your car's AC condenser.

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Repair Your Car's AC Condenser
Discover the Best AC Condenser Repair in Birmingham

Your vehicle's A/C condenser is usually located in the front of the radiator. When your AC compressor is pressurizing the refrigerant flows to the condenser to reduce the temperature and pressure. The condenser is a vital component in keeping your car's cabin temperature cool. It moves the cooled liquid refrigerant to the receiver/dryer or accumulator.

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Repair Your Car's AC Condenser
Discover the Best AC Condenser Repair in Birmingham

Your vehicle's A/C condenser is usually located in the front of the radiator. When your AC compressor is pressurizing the refrigerant flows to the condenser to reduce the temperature and pressure. The condenser is a vital component in keeping your car's cabin temperature cool. It moves the cooled liquid refrigerant to the receiver/dryer or accumulator.

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Repair Your Car's AC Evaporator
Repair or Replace Your Car's AC Evaporator at Southern Radiator & Cooling in Birmingham

Located just behind the dashboard, your car evaporator is in charge of cooling air and removing moisture before it is blown into the cabin of your car or truck.

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Replace Your Car's AC Thermal Expansion Valve or Orifice Tube
Replace Your Thermal Expansion Valve or Orifice Tube at Southern Radiator & Cooling

The Thermal Expansion Valve or Orifice Tube monitors the amount of pressure and temperature of your A/C system to calculate the precise amount of refrigerant that can safely go into the evaporator. Uneven pressure can allow unwanted moisture to accumulate in a car or truck's AC system.

More: Replace Your Car's AC Thermal Expansion Valve or Orifice Tube

If your AC system starts blowing warm air come by the store at 2720 7th Ave N and talk with one of our auto parts specialists to determine what parts you need to get your AC working again.

Your AC compressor is the auto part responsible for compressing the refrigerant R134a. When it is compressed it becomes very hot. Because hot is the opposite of what drivers want in an AC system, the refrigerant must be cooled.

R134a is cooled by your car AC condenser. This auto part is a series of coils that look very similar to a radiator. Just like a radiator, outside air passes over the condenser to remove the heat from the compressed gas. It is then condensed into a very wet cold liquid. The receiver-drier absorbs excess moisture from the liquid. Next, your AC filter traps debris within the liquid that can cause clogging in your car's AC system. Call 205-320-2772 today and let our auto parts specialists help you find the right compressor, condenser or receiver drier to fit your car or truck.

At this point, the refrigerant liquid is still under too much pressure. The expansion valve and orifice tube take over and force the refrigerant to change from a high-pressure liquid refrigerant into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant mist before it enters the evaporator.

As the low-pressure liquid refrigerant mist flows through the evaporator, a blower motor pushes air across the cold tubes of the evaporator and cooled dry air flows into the passenger compartment of the automobile. The accumulator is a holding tank for the refrigerant as it exits the evaporator. While the refrigerant is circulating inside, the accumulator removes any moisture that may be present.

Call 205-320-2772 today and let our auto parts specialists help you find the right expansion value, orifice tube, and evaporator to fit your car or truck.