What are the reasons for compressor failure?
2 Answers
The reasons for automotive air conditioning compressor failure are: 1. Poor internal lubrication of the compressor; 2. Unclean air conditioning system; 3. Excessive refrigerant or lubricating oil in the system; 4. Slippage of the compressor's electromagnetic clutch causing excessive friction temperature; 5. Insufficient power configuration of the compressor. The methods to check for automotive air conditioning compressor failure are: 1. Check for oil stains at the connections and seams of each device; 2. Check whether the HVAC valve or thermal control damper is closed, and whether other damper adjustments are normal; 3. Check whether the condenser fan is operating properly; 4. Check whether the drive belt is broken or loose if the drive belt is too loose.
A broken car air conditioning compressor is really annoying. As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, the common issues I've seen are insufficient internal lubrication, deteriorated or insufficient oil, causing excessive friction between metal parts that leads to instant burnout. Dust buildup also puts extra strain on the system, making problems more likely during peak summer usage. Another scenario is refrigerant leakage that goes undetected, resulting in compressor overheating. During routine maintenance, I always emphasize checking oil levels and cleaning filters—prevention is much better than repair. Once the compressor fails, cooling completely stops, and repairs aren't cheap; replacing with OEM parts can cost thousands. As a temporary measure, you can roll down windows for ventilation, but it's uncomfortable on long drives. That's why developing regular maintenance habits, especially pre-season checks before hot weather, can save a lot of hassle.
