Have you ever been taking a long drive, and all of a sudden, your car AC compressor kicks in? It’s a beautiful thing until it starts making that horrid noise. And chances are, if you’re like most people, you’ve put off dealing with it because… Well, it’s not really urgent, is it? But what happens when the compressor dies for good while leaving you in a sweltering car during a hot summer day?
If your car is more than ten years old, there’s a good chance that’s exactly what will happen. In this blog post, Lynn Layton Ford will help you determine if your AC compressor is at the end of its life – and what to do about it.
AC Refrigerant Starts Leaking
One of the most common signs that an AC compressor is failing is when you notice a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant fluid is a clear, colorless gas used to cool the air inside the vehicle.
AC Compressor Clutch Starts to Get Stuck
Another common sign of an impending AC compressor failure is when the clutch starts to choke. This occurs when the compressor can’t generate enough power to keep the clutch engaged. As a result, you’ll hear a loud banging or clanking sound coming from your AC system.
Unnaturally High Cabin Temperatures
If your car’s AC system isn’t keeping the cabin cool, it could be a sign that the compressor is on its way out. When an AC compressor fails, it often causes the system to overheat, leading to excessively high temperatures inside the car.
It’s important to note that an AC compressor can last anywhere from 12 – 15 years, so don’t panic if yours is starting to show signs of wear and tear.
Weird Noises from Within the Compressor
Another clear sign that your AC compressor is reaching the end of its life is strange noises emanating from within the unit itself. These could be anything from a loud knocking to a high-pitched whining noise. These noises are caused when the compressor’s internal parts wear down, eventually leading to the unit’s failure.
Reduced Cooling Capacity
Among the most obvious signs that your AC compressor is on its last legs is a significant reduction in cooling capacity. If your car’s AC unit isn’t keeping up with the summer heat as it used to, then your compressor is probably starting to fail.
Remember that a compressor is responsible for pumping coolant throughout the system, so a failing compressor will mean an overall reduction in cooling performance.
Circuit Breaker Tripping
The last sign that your car’s AC compressor is about to die is a tripped circuit breaker. If the compressor starts drawing too much power, the breaker will trip to protect the car’s electrical system. If this happens, it’s time to replace the compressor.
Ending Note
So those are some of the telltale signs that your AC compressor is on its way out. If you’re witnessing any of these AC issues, it’s best to get a replacement before the compressor fails entirely and leaves you stranded.
Lynn Layton Ford is here to help. We offer service bookings online so you can get the repair done quickly and conveniently without all the hassle. And if you have any queries about what might be causing your Car AC compressor to fail or how much a replacement will cost, our team of experts in Mooresville, AL, is always here to help!
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