Ford A/C Compressor Service in Lamesa, TX

The Role of Your Compressor

The AC compressor takes the refrigerant, increases the temperature and pressure, and moves it to the condenser. At this point, the refrigerant loses heat and becomes a cold liquid. Its job is to absorb heat from the cabin and pass it through the expansion valve where it will turn back into gas. The process starts all over again at this point.

The compressor’s main function is to cool the air inside the vehicle. However, it also removes moisture, which can eliminate foggy windows. It also helps get rid of frost in the winter.

How to Tell If the Compressor Is Bad

If your compressor is failing, you may notice some specific signs:

• Unusual sounds or vibrations, which means internal components are going bad.
• Doesn’t cool enough or evenly because it can’t maintain the correct pressure.
• Refrigerant is leaking, which may cause a hissing sound or bubbles to appear if you spray it with soapy water.
• The AC may cycle on and off more often.
• You smell a sweet odor under the hood when the engine is turned on.
• Your vehicle may use slightly more gas and decrease fuel economy.

If you fail to pay attention to these signs and have your compressor serviced, it can lead to other damage. A leak could cause other parts to break. The serpentine belt may break, which could cause you to lose power. Repair costs increase significantly if you have more repairs. Your vehicle is also worth less when you sell it without a working AC system.

Maintaining Your Compressor

Since the compressor is part of the AC system, you need to keep it maintained. Have it serviced every year, preferably in the spring before you need the AC. Use the air conditioning regularly to keep it working the way it should. The system won’t wear out from use as much as it will from non-use.

You can drive with a bad compressor, but it’s going to be uncomfortable in the hot weather. You may have more issues keeping your windshield clear without the compressor as well. To find out if your compressor needs to be replaced or repaired, you can schedule service with the Service Center at Premier Ford of Lamesa. Set up an appointment online or give us a call. We’ll inspect the components and provide you with a written estimate if we find that repairs are necessary.