It can get hot in Northern California during the summer months. As such, you likely rely on your car’s air conditioning system to keep you comfortable when you are going from one location to another. One of the components that help the air conditioning system operate is the air conditioner compressor. A compressor should last about 10 to 15 years but may have a reduced lifespan if you use your air conditioning system frequently. If your air compressor is going bad, you need to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop to have it replaced. Here are a few of the signs that the compressor may be nearing the end of its lifespan.
You Hear Strange Sounds When You Turn on the Air
One of the signs that your car may give you if the air conditioner compressor is nearing the end of its lifespan is strange noises when you turn on your air conditioner. The compressor is made up of different parts, so you may hear different noises coming from the unit. The most common noises people hear are screeching or squealing, but you may also hear squeaking, grinding, or hissing sounds.
You See Fluid Leaking Under Your Car When Running the Air
If your car’s air conditioner compressor is at or near the end of its lifespan, it may start to leak. As such, you may notice a puddle of fluid under your car after you have been running the air conditioning unit. It is important to note that your car can leak a small amount of condensation when the air conditioning unit is operating, so small amounts of water should not be a concern. However, you should be concerned about car fluids under your car. Unfortunately, it can be hard to tell if the leak is caused by the compressor or a different part of your car, so you should always have a car repair shop check your vehicle out if you notice any leaks.
You Notice Reduced Air Flow When Your Air Conditioner is Running
If your air conditioning compressor is going bad, you may notice that there is less air blowing out of your vents than normal when you run the air conditioning unit. This can be caused by many problems, including air filter issues. So this problem should be inspected by an auto repair shop to determine if the problem is the compressor or something else.
Your Air Conditioner is Blowing Hot Air
Finally, if your car’s compressor has actually gone bad, the car will not blow cold air. Instead, the air coming from your vents will be hot. Once again, there are many reasons your car may blow hot air, such as low refrigerant levels or a bad air conditioner compressor. A mechanic should be consulted to determine the reason you have no cold air when you operate your car’s air conditioning unit.
If your car’s air conditioning system is not keeping you cool, you should take your vehicle to a car repair shop, such as us here at Morgan Auto Repair. We can help you determine if the compressor or another part is going bad and repair the problem so cool air starts to flow through your vehicle again. Schedule an appointment at our Tracy, Manteca, or Stockton location today.