How Often Should Car Refrigeration Oil Be Changed?
4 Answers
Generally, car refrigeration oil should be changed once a year. Car refrigeration oil serves the dual purpose of cooling and lubrication in a vehicle. During operation, the air conditioning refrigeration oil helps to lower temperatures and reduce wear on internal components. The functions of car refrigeration oil include: 1. Lubrication: The compressor operates at high speeds, requiring lubrication on surfaces such as bearings, pistons, piston rings, and connecting rod crankshafts to reduce resistance and wear, extend service life, lower power consumption, and improve cooling efficiency. 2. Sealing: Most compressors used in cars are semi-sealed, necessitating oil seals at the input shaft to prevent refrigerant leakage. 3. Cooling: Friction surfaces in the compressor generate high temperatures, which refrigeration oil helps to dissipate. Insufficient cooling can lead to overheating, excessive exhaust pressure, reduced cooling efficiency, or even compressor failure. 4. Noise Reduction: Refrigeration oil significantly reduces friction resistance in moving parts, providing excellent lubrication and thereby greatly lowering operational noise.
The so-called refrigeration oil in cars is actually air conditioning compressor oil, specifically used to lubricate the compressor's components and prevent overheating and wear. I've repaired many cars, and the replacement cycle is usually every 2 to 3 years, especially for owners in high-temperature areas or those who frequently use their air conditioning, as the oil quality can deteriorate easily, leading to system failures. If not replaced in time, the compressor can be damaged, doubling the repair costs. Every time I add refrigerant or service the air conditioning system, I recommend checking the refrigeration oil simultaneously. If the oil color darkens or there are sediments, it should be replaced immediately. In daily use, weakened cooling performance or abnormal startup sounds are often warning signs. It's best to conduct a comprehensive check before each summer, along with replacing the filter, to save time and effort and ensure your car's air conditioning operates efficiently at all times.
As a car owner who commutes by driving, refrigerant oil isn't something that needs frequent changing. Generally, it's sufficient to handle it once every 3 to 4 years, especially when the air conditioning performance is normal. I always manage it in conjunction with routine maintenance. Whenever I go to the repair shop for an oil change or annual inspection, I casually ask the technicians. They usually use professional instruments to check the oil level. If the air conditioning cools slowly or emits odd odors, it's time for an immediate check, as insufficient oil can affect the overall cooling efficiency. Don't overthink the exact timing; simply noting the last maintenance date is easier. For example, set a phone reminder to change it every three years, synchronizing it with adding refrigerant to avoid multiple trips to the shop and unnecessary expenses, keeping things hassle-free.
The cost of replacing the refrigerant oil is not high, but I try to save money by doing it less frequently. If the air conditioning is working normally, just leave it alone and handle it together when adding refrigerant, averaging once every 4 years is sufficient, because frequently opening the system can introduce moisture and cause more problems. Delaying a bit won't cause major issues, but pay attention to symptoms like weak cooling or startup noises to avoid delaying until the compressor fails, which would cost more. Without the proper tools, DIY isn't an option, so consulting a repair shop for a package deal is a more cost-effective choice.
