What causes the hissing sound like air leakage when the car air conditioner is turned on?
2 Answers
There are many reasons why a car's air conditioner makes a hissing sound when the AC is turned on, mainly including issues with the car's air conditioning compressor, a loose car clutch, or a clogged air filter. Here are the specific explanations: 1. Car air conditioning compressor failure: If the car's compressor malfunctions, causing the clutch plate inside to slip, it will result in a hissing sound when the air conditioning system is operating. In this case, the car's air conditioning compressor needs to be carefully inspected and repaired, and it may need to be replaced if necessary. 2. Loose car clutch: When the car's air conditioner is turned on, the engine's load increases significantly, which can cause the car's clutch to vibrate and produce noise. This situation is usually due to a loose car clutch, and simply re-tightening it can resolve the issue. 3. Clogged air filter: If the car's air filter is clogged, various noises can occur when the air conditioner is turned on. In this case, the car's air filter needs to be cleaned. It's important to note that the car's air filter should generally be cleaned every 5,000 kilometers of driving and replaced every 10,000 kilometers.
That day when I was driving with the AC on, I heard a hissing sound like a tire leaking, which made me a bit nervous. I checked it myself and found that it's usually due to refrigerant leakage in the AC system, possibly caused by aging pipes or loose connections. Low refrigerant levels can reduce the cooling efficiency or even cause the AC to stop working completely. If the leak is near the evaporator, it might produce this kind of sound. It's recommended to turn off the AC immediately, check the car's undercarriage for oil stains or unusual odors, and take it to a repair shop promptly to fix the leak and recharge the refrigerant. Don't delay, as it could increase the compressor's workload and lead to higher repair costs. Regular maintenance should include cleaning the AC system to prevent minor issues from turning into major problems.
