Can a car air conditioning compressor still be used if it's leaking oil?

[DiValerie]

It is recommended to replace the compressor. Here are the specific details: 1. Complex replacement: Replacing the compressor shaft seal is very complicated and requires specialized maintenance personnel from the compressor manufacturer to complete it using professional fixtures. Additionally, the compressor needs to be disassembled. If the shaft seal is damaged, the main shaft may also be affected. The chances of repairing internal compressor failures are relatively small, as most repair stations do not have genuine replacement parts or the necessary installation fixtures. 2. Relevant advice: After stopping the refrigeration system, start the compressor every two weeks for 3 to 5 minutes. The benefit of this is that the refrigeration oil is delivered to the shaft seal, preventing it from drying out and reducing its sealing effectiveness.

[McOlivia]

I've repaired many cases of compressor oil leaks – you absolutely can't keep using it. Oil leakage from the compressor indicates the seals or shaft seals may be damaged. Oil loss reduces lubrication, and over time this causes increased internal friction in the compressor, leading to overheating and potential burnout. If that happens, your entire AC system fails – imagine being stuck on a long drive without AC in sweltering heat. Even worse, leaked oil could come into contact with hot engine components, creating a fire hazard that threatens driving safety. My advice: turn off the AC system immediately and take it to a proper repair shop. If it's a minor issue like replacing seals, the cost is low. But if you delay until the compressor fails, replacement could cost thousands. During routine maintenance, check for oil stains – early repairs save money and hassle. Don't take chances – safety first.

[BriellaRose]

As a car owner, I believe the compressor must be stopped immediately if it's leaking oil. The oil is used to cool and lubricate the compressor. Once it leaks, increased friction during operation can cause the compressor to overheat and fail, leading to a rapid loss of air conditioning. Without AC in summer, the car becomes unbearably hot and stuffy, which can distract the driver and increase the risk of accidents. Additionally, leaked oil may spread to other parts, corroding components and creating significant safety hazards. I recommend discontinuing the use of the AC function and promptly visiting a repair shop to diagnose the issue. If it's a minor repair requiring only part replacements, the cost is manageable. However, ignoring the problem until the compressor fails completely will double the expense of a full replacement. Vehicle maintenance is all about addressing small issues promptly—don't risk greater problems to save a little money.

[HaileyRose]

Continuing to use a leaking compressor is not advisable. Once the oil runs out, insufficient lubrication will cause rapid wear and seizure of the compressor, leading to a complete AC system failure. The repair costs will be much higher—for example, replacing a new compressor could cost thousands, while early detection might only require a few hundred to fix the seals. I once witnessed someone ignoring the issue, driving in summer heat until they suffered heatstroke and had to be hospitalized—a hard lesson learned. It's recommended to inspect and repair promptly to avoid escalating system failure expenses.