Choking Hazard – 5 Signs Your Car’s AC Compressor Is At The End Of Its Life

Imagine that you’re driving along on a beautiful sunny day. You feel hot, so you turn the air conditioner on, and all of a sudden, your car AC compressor clutch starts to chatter. Or maybe it’s been making weird noises for a while, and you’ve just been ignoring it. Hey, we’ve all been there. But at some point, you’ll need to face reality and admit that your car’s AC compressor is on its last legs.

In this post, INFINITI of Orange Park discusses how to tell if your car’s AC compressor is about to die, plus we’ll give you a few tips on what to do when that happens. Stay cool!

Higher Temperatures Than Normal in The Cabin

Suppose you’re driving, and your car’s cabin feels significantly warmer than it usually does. Well, that’s a sign that your AC compressor is starting to fail. As the compressor gets closer to failing, it will be less and less effective at cooling the air in the car, meaning that you’ll start to feel the heat more.

Loud Noises When the Compressor Runs

If you’re hearing a loud annoying noise coming from the AC compressor when it’s running, that’s another sign that it’s on its way out. This noise is usually a high-pitched squeal or screech, which means the compressor is struggling to do its job. As scary as they sound, these are caused by a lack of lubrication in the compressor.

Compressor Clutch Doesn’t Move

If you try to start your car’s AC and the compressor clutch doesn’t move, that’s a clear sign that the compressor is dead. The clutch engages and disengages the compressor to turn on and off. When it doesn’t move, it means that the compressor is stuck on and will continue to run until it burns out.

Moisture Leaks

If you start seeing water or condensation around your car’s AC compressor, that’s another sign that it might be time to replace it. This is usually a result of a seal failure, and it can damage the compressor and other parts of the AC system. Moisture is actually the refrigerant’s worst enemy, so it’s essential to address any leaks as soon as you spot them.

Circuit Breaker Trips

For those of you who aren’t electronics savvy, a circuit breaker is a device that keeps your car’s AC compressor from overloading and burning out. If it starts tripping more and more often, that’s usually a sign that the compressor is on its last leg. You will notice that the breaker is tripping a lot while your car’s AC isn’t cooling as well as it used to.

Ending Note

If you’re experiencing any of the signs we listed, it might be time to replace your compressor. Not only is a new car AC compressor more efficient and environmentally friendly, but it can also save you a lot of bucks in the long run. Schedule a service today with INFINITI of Orange Park serving Lakeside, FL. Our team will take care of everything for you. We want to ensure your car stays in top condition all year round, so don’t wait until it’s too late. Thanks for reading!