How to Determine if the Air Conditioning Lacks Refrigeration Oil?

[Tyra]

To determine if the air conditioning lacks refrigeration oil, follow these methods: 1. When the air conditioning is not turned on, check the liquid level observation port of the air conditioning. If the liquid level is below half, it indicates a lack of refrigeration oil in the air conditioning; 2. Refrigeration oil serves the sealing function of the air conditioning compressor. If the pressurization pressure is too low or unstable when there are no leaks in the air conditioning system, it means the air conditioning lacks refrigeration oil. Car air conditioning refers to the air conditioning device installed in the vehicle, which can cool, heat, ventilate, and purify the air inside the compartment, providing a comfortable driving environment for the passengers. The car air conditioning system consists of refrigeration devices, heating devices, and ventilation devices.

[StGrant]

My old car's air conditioning occasionally underperforms, making me suspect it might be low on refrigerant oil. Simply put, if you turn on the AC and notice the air isn't as cold as it should be, with significantly reduced cooling efficiency, that's a telltale sign. Another red flag is strange noises from the compressor when starting the engine and AC—squealing or clicking sounds are classic symptoms of oil deficiency. One summer, my AC suddenly emitted a foul odor, and the mechanic diagnosed it as excessive internal friction heat due to low oil levels. Here are some DIY checks: After running the AC for a few minutes, feel the air vent temperature with your hand—if it's unusually warm, be alert. Alternatively, monitor the AC pressure gauge readings (leave this to professionals if unfamiliar). Prolonged refrigerant oil shortage can damage the compressor, leading to costly repairs, so early detection and intervention can save you money.

[CooperLynn]

I learned a few tricks from my taxi driver friend to determine if the air conditioning is low on refrigerant oil. First, pay attention to the slow cooling of the AC and the reduced cooling capacity of the airflow, which is especially noticeable on hot days while driving. Next, listen for changes in the compressor's sound—when you turn on the AC, if you hear excessive humming or a slight hissing noise, it’s likely due to insufficient oil causing abnormal friction. I tried it myself: stop the car, keep the engine and AC running, and carefully listen near the compressor. Normally, it should produce a steady hum, but an abnormal sound resembles metal scraping. Additionally, if you notice a burnt smell from the AC vents, it indicates internal components are damaged due to oil shortage. A simple DIY check involves inspecting the connection lines for oil stains, but avoid disassembling anything—incorrect handling can make things worse. Regular maintenance, such as checking oil levels every two to three years when replacing refrigerant, can prevent many issues. If you notice symptoms, take it directly to a repair shop—they have specialized tools to measure pressure and top up the oil, ensuring safety and efficiency.

[DiRiley]

Determining whether a car's air conditioning system lacks refrigerant oil primarily relies on signals during daily use. The most common sign is reduced cooling performance, where the air doesn't get cold even after driving several kilometers; the compressor noise increases during operation, sounding like continuous clicking or sharp noises; sometimes, foul-smelling air blows from the vents. These are all reactions caused by insufficient oil leading to increased system friction. It's recommended to start the air conditioning during cooler times, such as early morning, when sounds are easier to identify. If symptoms persist, it indicates a serious problem, and you should immediately visit a professional repair shop—using a pressure gauge to measure system balance can provide an accurate diagnosis. Delaying may lead to complete compressor failure and increased repair costs. Regularly checking oil levels when topping up refrigerant is a hassle-free practice.