The air conditioning fitted to your car is complicated, albeit essential on a typically hot Australian day. You need to keep it in good working order if you want to remain cool, calm and collected behind the wheel and the best way to do this is to take the vehicle in for regular service. However, things can go wrong, and you may encounter issues along the way. One part of the system that may need your attention is the receiver and dryer mechanism. What is this, and what can happen if it fails to function as it should?

Why The Receiver Drier Is So Important

Clearly, to create a pleasant atmosphere in the cabin, the A/C system has to modify the outside air. One of the biggest challenges here is that outside air contains a lot of moisture, which needs to be removed from the A/C system before anything will work properly.

This is the job of the receiver dryer mechanism, but this diminutive part does not only absorb any moisture but also acts as a receiver for any excess refrigerant. Additionally, it contains a filtration system designed to get rid of any particles or debris before they enter the rest of the process.

Risk Of Corrosion

Getting rid of any moisture is critical as it will invariably lead to corrosion. When that happens, some of the dedicated surfaces within the evaporator, compressor or condenser could degrade, soon leading to failure.

Strange Odour

One of the early signs of receiver dryer failure is a nasty smell in the cabin. When you first turn the vehicle on after a rest, you'll sense a strong odour of mould or mildew coming from the vents.

Evidence Of Leakage

As the receiver dryer relies on a valved-based operation, this valve may be stuck in the open position. When this happens, refrigerant could leak, and you may notice evidence of this beneath your car. A small amount of moisture is not unusual in everyday operation, but a larger amount could signify an issue with the receiver dryer.

Bigger Issues

When things really start to go south, you may begin to hear abnormal noises coming from under the bonnet and will need to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible. If you're lucky, the repair will not be too expensive, but otherwise, you may need to replace the compressor as well.

What To Remember

Don't underestimate the work of the tiny receiver dryer mechanism fitted to your A/C. If you suspect any issues, it's best to take action as soon as possible.