Your car or truck's AC system is under extreme pressure and the thermal expansion valve or orifice tube monitors the amount of pressure and the temperature of your A/C system. It calculates the precise amount of refrigerant that can safely go into the evaporator. A failing expansion valve or orifice tube often causes a vehicle's air conditioner to blow hot air.
Replace or Repair
- Expansion Valves: Too much refrigerant causes your evaporator to get too cold whereas too little refrigerant would result in inadequate cooling. The expansion valve is a complex valve that regulates refrigerant flow. This process of metering the refrigerant adjusts the flow according to the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator coil. Talk to one of the pro mechanics at Advance Tire Company, as this part can be replaced on its own and does not require the entire replacement of the AC assembly.
- Orifice Tubes: Unlike the expansion valve, the orifice tube is a simple fixed device with no moving parts. It therefore cannot vary the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator, but rather causes a permanent restriction in the system. However, like the expansion valve the orifice tube regulates refrigerant flow through the system and filters debris which may come through in its screen. Often fixing a "bad orifice tube" requires replacing the entire evaporator assembly.
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What our clients are saying about us
We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!
Brought my 2011 Volvo sedan into here for 4 new tires. Nice people here - I am glad I live nearby
Hard to beat a place this friendly and professional. We recently got a car after moving to the area, and we weren't sure where to take it for regular service. As soon as I called to make an appointment, I knew we were going to stick with Advance Tire. They don't rush you off the phone, they answer questions and provide helpful advice. I dropped the car off for an oil-change and headlight-replacement appointment this morning. Just before I dropped it off, I misjudged a turn and jumped a curb, popping the passenger-side bumper out a bit. When I picked the car up -- the crew at Advance finished less than an hour later -- I told them what happened and asked if they might have advice on how I could fix it. The owner came out to my car in the rain and popped it back into place. To be clear, the bumper was entirely my mistake, I just wanted to make sure I had a good idea of what I was getting into before trying to fix it on my own or take it to a body shop. But the folks at Advance insisted on helping out. It's a little thing, but that kind of care goes a long way towards earning trust. We'll definitely be back -- hopefully just for routine maintenance!