Signs Your Car’s Air Conditioning Compressor Is Bad
Air Conditioning Not Working Well? Could Be A Faulty Compressor You're Dealing With
Anyone who has to drive in the summer has had nightmares about their car's air conditioning failing. And when the air conditioning starts working in the middle of a long drive, the immediate thought is, "What caused it?" One typical issue that can affect a car's air conditioning is the compressor, the system's power unit that pumps the refrigerant under high pressure and turns the air cold. The compressor can start to corrode when a lack of maintenance is done to keep it up--without proper flushing of the fluid system, mineral deposits can build up and cause the damage that makes a compressor go bad. If the compressor has seen better days, it will need to be replaced, and there are always a few signs that it's going bad or is about to go bad.
Strange Noises
Sometimes your car will make sounds it's not supposed to make. Suppose you turn on your air conditioning and you hear something that sounds like rattling, whining, chattering, clicking, or whining. In that case, it's probably time to bring your car into the shop for air conditioning service. Don't hesitate to call in whether you hear constant and confident noise after turning on the air conditioning or if the noises only persist for a little after you've turned the air conditioning on. It's a sign that your compressor is about to go out and never work again.
Leaking Fluid
The air conditioning stays cold thanks to refrigerant fluid within the car. If you've seen a leak coming from the air conditioning unit of your car, chances are the compressor is starting to go bad. Fixing the issue is more complex than topping off the fluid. When fluid starts leaking, the fluid can damage the air conditioning system and eventually cause it to break down completely. Signs of a breakdown from fluid leaks can resemble fluid puddles, burning smells, visible smoke, and humming sounds. If you notice fluid leaking out, bring it in for an inspection the second you can.
Hot Air Coming From Vents
This is the most obvious sign and often the sign that makes all drivers groan out loud on the road. No matter how cold you turn the dial to or how Weak the compressor is, it can't push cold air through the system and into the car's cabin. If your AC isn't keeping you cool when you really need the breeze of colder air, it probably means it's time for a new compressor in your car's AC unit.