Having a working air conditioning (AC) system in your car is important for comfort while driving, especially in hot weather.
The AC compressor is a key component that pressurizes the refrigerant and enables the system to produce cold air.
Unfortunately, AC compressors can fail over time. Knowing what are the most common symptoms of a bad car AC compressor can help you get repairs done before complete failure occurs. This article outlines the most common signs of car ac compressor problems.
The AC compressor is the heart of your vehicle’s air conditioning system. Like all mechanical components, compressors are subject to wear and faults over years of use.
Catching compressor issues early is important to avoid costly repair of Car Ac Compressor in Dubai or even total system replacement down the road. Several noticeable symptoms can indicate your compressor is failing.
Most 5 Common Symptoms of a Bad Car AC Compressor
Strange Noises from the Compressor
One of the first signs of a compressor problem is unusual sounds coming from the front of the engine compartment when you turn on the AC.
As a sealed component, a healthy compressor should run quietly and produce only a low hum or typical cycling sound. Screeching, squealing, clicking, or knocking noises could all point to internal compressor damage or wear. Common causes of compressor noises include:
- Worn-out bearings from years of use
- An internal component that has come loose and rattles inside the sealed housing
- Low lubricating oil causing metal-on-metal grinding
If you hear anything outside of the ordinary compressor sounds, have your AC serviced to identify the cause and solution. Neglecting strange noises could lead to a complete seizure of the compressor.
AC Blowing Warm Air
The most obvious symptom that a compressor may be having problems is warm air from your car’s vents when the AC is turned on.
If the compressor cannot properly pressurize and circulate refrigerant, then the AC system cannot adequately cool the air.
Some causes of warm air include:
- Failed compressor clutch not engaging the pump to turn on
- The compressor has ceased functioning due to broken internal parts
- Very low refrigerant level preventing adequate cooling
- Electrical problem not signaling the compressor to activate
In most cases, warm air and an inoperative AC points to the compressor no longer working. The system may need repairs, or if the compressor is damaged beyond repair, complete replacement.
Poor AC Performance
You may also notice your AC seems to work initially when you start driving, but performance fades after some time.
The cold air may be cooler than the ambient temperature yet never gets very cold. Or the AC works well for a stretch before starting to blow warmer air. Intermittent problems can indicate an AC compressor is on its way to failure.
Some common causes of poor and inconsistent AC performance include:
- Compressor clutch slipping and not fully engaging
- Inefficient compression due to worn seals and gaskets
- Refrigerant leaks cause lower system pressure
- Blockages inside the compressor restricting the refrigerant flow
- Electrical failures caused the compressor to cut in and out
Performance issues that come and go point to bigger underlying problems. If you notice the AC acting up like this, it needs professional attention to identify the next steps.
Often compressor repairs may get it working again. But a new replacement unit is frequently the prescribed fix.
Higher Electrical Load on Engine
Your car’s engine powers the AC compressor via a belt connected to the crankshaft. The electrical load increases when you switch the AC on to account for the added work of powering the pump.
Failing compressors can place an abnormally heavy electrical strain on your engine. Signs can include:
- Noticeable dimming of lights when idling at stop lights or signs with AC running
- Engine idle speed dipping up and down instead of steady revolutions per minute (RPMs)
- Stalling risk increased when using higher electrical draws like headlights or windscreen wipers with AC on
- The smell of burning rubber from overworked belts
Excess electrical demand by a seizing or sticking compressor shortens battery life. But the more serious risk is stalling out at an inconvenient time.
If you experience odd electrical symptoms mainly with the AC operating, have the system inspected for underlying issues.
Refrigerant Leaks
Over time, poorly sealed AC systems can leak refrigerant gasses into the atmosphere. In addition to the environmental impact, low refrigerant affects performance.
Signs of Car AC Gas Leakage Dubai include poorer cooling ability along with frost or oil spots around AC components. The evaporator is usually the culprit since it handles conversion to cold air.
But worn compressor seals and gaskets can also lead to leaked refrigerants. Topping up gasses may offer a temporary fix.
Though leaks indicate deterioration internally. Watch for cooling issues paired with evidence of leaks around hoses and fittings.
Conclusion
If you notice what are the most common symptoms of a bad car AC compressor early, you may be able to fix the problem for a low cost instead of having to replace the whole system.
Compressor problems include strange noises, warm air, changed performance, more electrical load, and refrigerant leaks.
Getting a check and professional diagnosis of the problem by Caracrepairdubai.com can bring back the comfort of cooling for a lot less than the cost of replacing the unit.
Since AC compressors for later cars can cost anywhere from 700 to 2,000 Dirham or more, repairs are well worth the money, even if a new compressor has to be bought.
If you look for signs of wear, you can escape being stuck without cool air in the summer.
