How Long Does a Car Compressor Last?
2 Answers
Car air conditioning compressors typically have the same warranty period as the vehicle body warranty, which is generally three years or 100,000 kilometers. If the compressor experiences quality issues within the warranty period, it can be repaired or replaced. Below is additional information: Introduction: The air conditioning compressor plays a role in compressing and driving the refrigerant within the air conditioning refrigerant circuit. The compressor is usually installed in the outdoor unit. It extracts refrigerant from the low-pressure area, compresses it, and sends it to the high-pressure area for cooling and condensation. Heat is dissipated into the air through the radiator, and the refrigerant changes from a gaseous to a liquid state, with increased pressure. 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 operating state). The refrigerant then flows from the high-pressure area to the low-pressure area, where it is sprayed into the evaporator through the capillary tube. The pressure drops sharply, and the liquid refrigerant immediately turns into a gaseous state, absorbing a large amount of heat from the air through the radiator.
My car has been used for over a decade. Generally, the lifespan of a compressor is about 5 to 10 years, but it depends on how you use and maintain it. Take my old car for example, the compressor lasted almost 8 years before it broke down, mainly because I rarely drove it in extremely hot weather with the AC cranked up, and I had the air conditioning system serviced every two years, replacing the refrigerant and cleaning out the dust. If you frequently drive long distances or run the AC at full load in hot weather, the compressor is under greater pressure and might fail in about 5 years. Don’t ignore signs like slow cooling or humming noises—timely repairs can save you a lot of money. Remember, avoid idling with the AC on for too long when parked, as it causes faster wear. For maintenance, I recommend checking the belts and fluids once a year, and a simple cleaning can extend its lifespan by a year or two.
