What is the function of a compressor?

[GraceLynn]

The function of a compressor is to regulate the start-stop state of the air compressor, allowing it to rest by adjusting the pressure in the air storage tank, which has a maintenance effect on the engine. The working principle of a compressor is to draw refrigerant from the low-pressure area, compress it, and then send it to the high-pressure area for cooling and condensation. The heat is dissipated into the air through the radiator, and the refrigerant changes from a gaseous state to a liquid state, with an increase in pressure. The types of compressors include: swash plate compressors, vane compressors, scroll compressors, and crankshaft connecting rod compressors. The causes of compressor damage are: 1. Damage to the electromagnetic clutch inside the air conditioning compressor or internal wear of the compressor; 2. Refrigerant leakage; 3. Damage to the compressor capacitor.

[OHector]

As an ordinary driver with many years of experience, I believe the compressor plays a heart-like role in a car's air conditioning system. It is primarily responsible for compressing the refrigerant gas into a high-pressure liquid and pushing it into the cycle. Simply put, the refrigerant first absorbs heat and evaporates into a gas at low pressure, then the compressor acts like a pump to squeeze it into high pressure and sends it to the condenser for cooling. Next, the liquid flows into the evaporator, expands, absorbs heat, and blows out cold air to cool us down. Without it in the summer, the car would feel like an oven, and the AC wouldn’t provide any relief. Once, my compressor broke while driving, leaving me sweating profusely and nearly suffering from heatstroke—it seriously compromised safe driving. During routine maintenance, remember to check the compressor oil level and belt wear. Oil leaks or loose belts can paralyze the system. Don’t ignore unusual noises, as they are early warning signs. A good compressor can keep the AC running efficiently for over a decade, so choosing a reliable brand is crucial.

[McErin]

In vehicle operation, I understand that the compressor is the core power source of the refrigeration cycle. The engine drives it to rotate, sucking in low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas and compressing it to increase temperature and pressure. The compressed gas then enters the condenser to dissipate heat and condense into a liquid, which is depressurized and cooled by the expansion valve before reaching the evaporator to absorb heat and turn into a gaseous state, releasing cold air. This continuous cycle achieves the refrigeration purpose. The compressor is like the engine to a car—without it, the air conditioning completely fails, and refrigeration efficiency plummets. I recommend that car owners pay attention to whether the belt tension is normal, add appropriate lubricating oil in a timely manner, and ensure good heat dissipation to prevent overheating damage. Modern compressor materials, such as aluminum alloy, are lighter and more durable. With proper maintenance, their lifespan can reach eight to ten years, avoiding frequent repair costs and hassles.

[ClaytonRose]

The compressor can be a real headache when it malfunctions, as its core task is to compress refrigerant to drive the entire air conditioning system. Obvious symptoms of a broken AC include abnormal compressor noise, blowing hot air, or failure to start at all. Common causes include belt loosening, fluid leakage, or internal component wear. From my experience, unusual noises indicate the need for immediate inspection—don't wait until complete failure to repair, as this leads to higher costs and unsafe driving. During maintenance, always test pressure to confirm normal operation and check for leaks when adding refrigerant. Addressing minor issues promptly can save significant expenses.

[Wyatt]

From my experience with air conditioning systems, the compressor must work closely with the condenser and evaporator to achieve effective cooling. The compressor compresses the gas and sends it to the condenser for heat dissipation and condensation, then the liquid moves to the evaporator to absorb heat and evaporate. The entire process is interconnected—insufficient compressor power or improper matching can reduce efficiency. Once, I installed the wrong compressor model when modifying an old car, which caused oil backflow and poor cooling. Ensuring high system compatibility and regularly cleaning the condenser fins to maintain heat dissipation helps the compressor run more smoothly and avoids additional wear. Choosing high-quality components can enhance overall performance.