How an air conditioning compressor breaks down

We had a new customer with an A/C problem.  It wasn’t blowing cold air into the vehicle.  As it turned out, the compressor to the air conditioning system had broken.  As most of us would want to know, she asked how it happened and what if anything she could have done to prevent it.

The thing about your A/C compressor is that it runs most of the year, not just in the summer.  Your HVAC system in your car is like your home.  It pulls moisture out of the air and this is what cools us down in hot temperatures, and also what defrosts our windows in winter.  But the compressor itself is like an engine.  It needs servicing too.

Her car probably would have never needed the repair if she had the oil changed in the A/C compressor on a maintenance schedule. We recommend servicing once every two years.  This would keep the components operating efficiently and they may never need replacement because of it.  Pulling a vacuum on the system, checking for leaks, and replacing the compressor oil and refrigerant should run around $135 to $160.  This is small potatoes on a bi-annual basis compared to a one time potential cash layout of nearly four figures.