How to Determine the Quality of a Car Air Conditioning Compressor?
2 Answers
Methods to determine the quality of a car air conditioning compressor: The quality of the compressor refers to its working efficiency. Under normal circumstances, after connecting the three-way pressure gauge set and starting the engine, if the low-pressure gauge pointer drops rapidly and the high-pressure gauge rises quickly, and when the throttle is increased, the pointer changes more significantly, it indicates good performance. Conversely, if the changes are minimal during the above operations, it suggests low efficiency. The car air conditioning compressor is the heart of the car air conditioning refrigeration system, responsible for compressing and delivering refrigerant vapor. Compressors are divided into two types: fixed displacement and variable displacement. Based on different working principles, air conditioning compressors can be classified into fixed displacement compressors and variable displacement compressors.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I have my own practical methods to judge the condition of an air conditioning compressor. First, listen to the sound: when starting the AC, if the compressor makes squeaking, grinding metal noises or clicking sounds, it's likely the bearings are damaged. Then, check the cooling effect: on the hottest summer day, turn it to the highest setting, and if the vent temperature doesn't drop below 10°C after ten minutes, there's probably an issue. Feel the low-pressure pipe—it should be icy cold with water droplets; if it's warm, that's a red flag. Another simple trick is to observe the belt: if there's a burnt smell or smoke near the compressor, shut off the engine immediately without hesitation. These methods have proven effective in my experience, but if the compressor completely fails, it's best to consult a professional mechanic for a thorough inspection.
