Car Air Conditioning Compressor Broken: Repair or Replace?
3 Answers
Air conditioning compressor damage, it is recommended to have a professional technician inspect it and decide whether to replace or repair based on the actual situation. Below is extended information about the air conditioning compressor: 1. Function: The air conditioning compressor plays a role in compressing and driving the refrigerant in the air conditioning refrigeration circuit. The air conditioning compressor is generally installed in the outdoor unit. The air conditioning compressor draws the refrigerant from the low-pressure area, compresses it, and sends it to the high-pressure area for cooling and condensation. The heat is dissipated into the air through the heat sink, and the refrigerant changes from a gaseous state to a liquid state, with increased pressure. 2. Working Circuit: The working circuit of the air conditioning compressor is divided into the evaporation zone (low-pressure area) and the condensation zone (high-pressure area). The indoor and outdoor units of the air conditioner belong to the low-pressure or high-pressure area respectively (depending on the working state). The refrigerant then flows from the high-pressure area to the low-pressure area, is sprayed into the evaporator through the capillary tube, and the pressure drops sharply. The liquid refrigerant immediately turns into a gaseous state, absorbing a large amount of heat from the air through the heat sink. In this way, the air conditioning compressor continuously works, continuously absorbing heat from the low-pressure area into the refrigerant and then sending it to the high-pressure area to dissipate into the air, thereby regulating the temperature.
My car's air conditioning compressor is broken, what a headache. The car is old, over ten years, and replacing the compressor is definitely better than repairing it. Repairing might seem cheaper on the surface, but underlying issues might not be detected, making it prone to breaking again. The repair cost isn't cheap either, and with the compressor parts aging, patching it up might not last. A new compressor now costs just over a thousand, including installation, for peace of mind. Plus, summer is coming, and driving without AC is unbearable. I suggest getting an assessment at a reputable repair shop. If the damage is severe, replacing it outright is more cost-effective, avoiding repeated hassles and delays. If the car were newer, repair might be an option, but it depends on the specific damage. In short, don't delay; handling it early is safer and more efficient.
The worst fear while driving is the air conditioning breaking down, with the compressor failing to work, forcing you to decide between repair or replacement. From a safety perspective, I highly recommend opting for a new one. Although repairing might save some money, the internal components of a compressor are complex, and even after repair, hidden issues may remain, such as poor sealing leading to refrigerant leaks, which can be more dangerous while driving. Especially during long-distance trips, the air conditioning is crucial for comfort and safety. I've seen a friend who opted for repair, only for it to fail again within half a month. Repair costs range from a few hundred to around a thousand, while a new compressor can cost anywhere from one to two thousand, but it's far more reliable. The key factor is the vehicle's age: if the car is less than three years old, consider repairing it; for older cars, it's better to replace it outright. Visit a 4S shop for a diagnosis and listen to professional advice. Don't skimp on small savings that could lead to bigger troubles.
