Air conditioning compressor broken? Here's how the compressor in your car works and here's what you can do if it's broken

A well-functioning air conditioner in your car is not a luxury, but a necessity. Especially on hot days and in winter, when your windows need to defog quickly. The heart of this system is the air conditioning compressor. If it is not working properly, you will notice it immediately: your A/C no longer cools or makes strange noises.

But how does such a compressor actually work? And what can you do if your A/C compressor is broken?

How does an air conditioning compressor in the car work?

The A/C compressor is the beating heart of the A/C system. Without this component, the refrigerant would not be pumped around and cold air would not come out of the vents. The process involves several steps:

• Supply refrigerant gas - The compressor draws in gas that has absorbed heat from the interior.
• Compressed - The gas is compressed under high pressure, increasing pressure and temperature.
• Condenser - The hot gas goes to the condenser, usually at the front of the car, where it cools to liquid.
• Evaporator - The liquid refrigerant evaporates again and absorbs heat from the cabin. This creates the cool air you feel through the ventilation.

This process repeats itself continuously while driving. The system seems simple, but the A/C compressor runs at high speeds and is under considerable pressure. Therefore, it is also one of the most sensitive parts of the air conditioner.

Common air conditioning compressor problems

An A/C compressor is a mechanical part and can wear out or fail over time. The most common problems are:

• Worn bearings or clutch → the air conditioner no longer turns on.
• Refrigerant leakage → the compressor runs dry and gets damaged.
• Internal damage → fouling, clogged pipes or broken valves.

Symptoms of an air conditioning compressor failure

• The air conditioning doesn't cool much, if at all.
• Strange noises are audible under the hood.
• The air conditioning system fails completely.
• Sometimes the air conditioner turns on and off, which may indicate an incipient malfunction.

How long does an air conditioning compressor last?

The life of an air conditioning compressor averages between eight and 12 years. This depends on factors such as:

• How often the air conditioner is used - in hot countries or during intensive use, the compressor wears out faster.
• The maintenance level - timely refilling of refrigerant and replacement of filters extend service life.
• The type of car - on some models, compressors are more susceptible to wear and tear than others.

So regular maintenance is the key to longer life.

Tips to avoid problems

With proper maintenance, you can significantly reduce the chances of compressor failure:

• Use the air conditioner regularly, even in winter, to keep the system lubricated.
• Have the refrigerant refilled in a timely manner to prevent overloading and dry running.
• Have your air conditioner checked annually to detect leaks and minor defects early.
• Replace the interior filter, as a clogged filter can cause increased pressure and extra load on the compressor.
• Turn off the air conditioner a few minutes before arrival to allow condensation to evaporate and reduce the likelihood of nasty odors.

What does it cost to replace or overhaul an air conditioning compressor?

The cost depends on the solution chosen. Broadly speaking, there are three options:

1. Air conditioning compressor overhaul

The most durable and economical option. In this process, the compressor is completely disassembled, cleaned and wear parts such as bearings and valves are replaced. Then the part is tested to factory standards.
Advantages: technically like new, warranty and an environmentally friendly choice.

2. Aftermarket compressor

If overhaul is not possible, an aftermarket compressor can be a good alternative. It meets the technical requirements and is often cheaper than an original version.

3. Original (OEM) compressor

For maximum reliability, choose an OEM compressor from brands such as Denso, Delphi or Valeo. This is the most expensive option, but the variant with the highest quality and longevity.

What affects costs?

The final price for overhaul or replacement depends on several factors:

• The car make and type of compressor - premium brands tend to be more expensive.
• The availability of parts - sometimes abundant, sometimes scarce.
• Labor hours required - some models require a lot of disassembly.
• The choice between overhaul, aftermarket or OEM - overhaul is usually the most economical option.
  

What to do if your air conditioning fails on the road?

Suppose you are on the road and you notice that the air conditioning suddenly stops working. That's annoying, especially on hot days. A few tips:

• Turn the ventilation to the highest setting to still have air circulation.
• Open windows to dissipate heat faster.
• Try to avoid unnecessary use of the air conditioner if you notice it faltering; this will prevent more damage.
• Make an appointment with a specialist as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Air conditioning repair by Auto Elect

At Auto Elect, you can go for air conditioning compressor overhaul and replacement. We have a large inventory of parts, modern testing facilities and years of experience. As a result, we can help quickly and expertly, whether you choose overhaul, an aftermarket compressor or an original OEM.

We test parts carefully and always give honest advice. Our goal is to get you back on the road safely and comfortably.

Conclusion: air conditioning compressor broken? Don't wait too long!

A properly working air conditioner is not only comfortable, but also important for your safety. Consider quickly defogging windows in winter.
Do you notice that your air conditioner stops working properly or you hear strange noises? Then have the compressor checked immediately.

Auto Elect will give you honest advice on overhaul or replacement and make sure your air conditioning is back to optimal performance.