Don't Let a Bad Compressor Leave You Hot and Bothered: Your Guide to Auto AC Repair | in Annapolis, Baltimore, Clarksburg, Columbia, Ellicott City, Hampden of Baltimore, Owings Mills, Parkville and Randallstown, MD | Autostream Car Care Center

How do I know if my AC compressor is bad?

Learn how to identify common issues, troubleshoot problems, and prevent future damage to keep your car cool and comfortable all summer long.

Don't Sweat It Out: How to Troubleshoot AC Compressor Issues

Drivers in Maryland know how hot a vehicle can be during summer. To ensure your comfort during the summer months, you need a working automotive air conditioner and a working automotive air conditioner; you'll need a working automotive air conditioner compressor. If you have strange sounds, fluid leaks, or hot air from your AC unit, you may have a problem with the AC compressor in your car.

Keep Your Cool: Tips for Preventing AC Compressor Failure

The sounds you hear from your auto AC may indicate you have a problem with the AC compressor. If the AC sounds strange when you turn it on, it's probably the compressor. You're hearing the sound of the internal components like bearings going bad. Turn the AC off to see if the sound stops, and then turn it back on to see if it starts up again. If it does, you must get to an AC repair mechanic. If your AC isn't well maintained, you might find that you have hot air blowing from the system. Hot air could be a sign of a failing compressor, or it might be a sign of a low level of refrigerant. Right before the compressor fails, it'll blow hot air out of the system. You might even notice the air getting warmer over time. The compressor is responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant to keep it from leaking out of the compressor. If the fluid starts to leak out, it can damage other parts of the AC system, leading to a total breakdown over time. Another sign of a bad compressor is tripping circuit breakers. A breaker will trip when too much power is drawn by the AC system. You can fix this by repairing the compressor and avoid further damage to the system.

See The Experts

If you have any of the problems listed in this article, you may want to bring your vehicle to the Autostream Car Care Center experts. Our ASE-certified technicians are here for you and your needs when it comes to auto AC repair. We offer a lifetime warranty on all of our repairs so that you can rest assured that your repairs are done right the first time. Give us a call at any of our 9 Baltimore, MD, locations to make an appointment for your AC repairs.

Written by Doug Grills