After our last car died, my husband and I decided to do a little research before buying a new car. We bought the previous car without a lot of thought, and it showed. Instead of lasting the length of the loan, the car started having problems right around the time the warranty ran out. We decided that it would be smart to invest a little time into research, so that we could avoid making a similar mistake in the future. This blog is a collection of articles about cars and automotive accessories, so that you can do a lot of research without making a lot of effort.
Your car's compressor is the most expensive and complex component in its air conditioning system. In many cases, the compressor is also one of the most challenging components to replace, leading to high labor costs in addition to the high price of the compressor itself. As a result, protecting your compressor is crucial if you want to avoid costly air conditioning repairs.
Unfortunately, many problems with your air conditioner can place the compressor under extra strain, potentially leading to wear and premature failure. If your car is suffering from one of these three automotive AC issues, you may want to address the problem as soon as you can to avoid a much more expensive compressor repair in the future.
1. Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is the blood that pumps through the veins of your air conditioning system. All refrigeration systems, including the air conditioning system in your car, need correct refrigerant pressure to operate efficiently. A refrigerant leak allows the system pressure to fall, reducing its ability to keep your car's cabin comfortable and cool.
Reduced pressure also stresses the compressor. The refrigerant must be in a relatively hot, gaseous state when it arrives at the compressor. Leaks can allow liquid refrigerant to reach the compressor, washing away internal lubrication and potentially causing severe damage. If you have a refrigerant leak in your car, it's best to address it as soon as possible to keep your compressor healthy.
2. Refrigerant Restrictions
While a loss of refrigerant can put the compressor under strain, a blockage in the system can have a similar effect. The refrigerant carries the oil that the compressor needs to stay adequately lubricated. Anything that reduces refrigerant flow can also stop oil from reaching the compressor, increasing friction and heat inside the unit.
Contamination that enters the refrigerant line after a repair or an improper recharge can create restrictions. These restrictions can ultimately cause your compressor to wear out more quickly and fail prematurely. The best way to avoid system contamination is to always rely on an experienced and qualified shop to conduct repairs on your car's AC system.
3. Airflow Restrictions
Vehicles can suffer from the same potential airflow restrictions as home AC systems. A dirty cabin filter or problems with the cabin blower can prevent air from moving across the evaporator coils. Without adequate airflow, the evaporator coils may freeze. This condition will produce inconsistent and humid cabin air while also potentially allowing some liquid refrigerant to reach the compressor.
If you notice icy air from your vents, high humidity levels, or frequent compressor lock-ups, these may be a sign of an airflow restriction. Never ignore these symptoms since they can potentially lead to the same compressor problems as low refrigerant pressure.
For more information on auto AC repair, contact a professional near you.
Share29 December 2021
