Signs Of A Failing Air Conditioner Compressor In Your Car

If you've ever driven your car in the summer heat without a working air conditioner, you probably already know how miserable it can be. If you're fortunate enough to have never had this experience, you should know that it's incredibly uncomfortable. For that reason, you should do everything you can to avoid finding yourself in a situation where you're suddenly without a functioning air conditioner.

One of the best things you can do to prevent this from happening is to know the warning signs of a failing air conditioner compressor. If you know these signs, you can be on the lookout for them and take action by getting your air conditioner serviced as soon as possible. The sooner you get it serviced, the easier it will be to fix the problem in most cases. If you wait too long to fix a compressor, however, and continue running or attempting to run your air conditioner, you could do more and more serious damage.

Leaking

Has your vehicle suddenly started leaking coolant? If so, then a bad air conditioner compressor could be the cause. However, leaks can be caused by many other issues as well, so it's best to let a mechanic make the diagnosis. If you're familiar with cars, though, know that leaks related to a failed compressor typically come from the front seal of the air conditioning unit.

In some cases, your mechanic can simply seal the leak, which will be cheaper than installing a new unit. It really depends on how bad the problem is, though, and how long it's gone untreated, so the sooner you act, the more likely it is you can avoid replacing the entire system, which can get quite costly.

Strange Sounds

People often write off or ignore strange sounds from their vehicles, but you definitely shouldn't ignore any weird noises coming from your air conditioner unit.

If, when you turn your air conditioner on, you hear banging sounds or other unusual noises, this could definitely be a compressor issue. The first time you hear the noise, stop using your car's air conditioner until you can get it looked at.

Decreased or Compromised Cooling

An air conditioner's job, of course, is to make your car cooler and more comfortable. If it ceases to do that, then you've definitely got a problem on your hands.

Pay attention to the air that blows out when you turn your unit on. If you notice any changes, such as the air not getting as cold, the air only being cold for a short time, or other odd behavior, it's time to get some professional help.

Remember, the sooner you take notice of these signs, the better your chances of fixing your air conditioning unit on the cheap! If you need a new compressor for your car, contact a local car parts supplier like Regional Truck Equipment.