Although the air conditioning (A/C) system in your car is made up of a variety of components, the compressor is one of the critical components that develop the system's essential cycle. Without it, your complete A/C system won't be able to produce cool air inside the car, which is its primary job. The AC compressor's function is to compress the refrigerant in the automobile to the correct pressure to activate its heat-transfer properties and adjust temperatures. Doing this lets you keep cool in the summer and have a clear windshield in the winter.

How does an A/C compressor work?

The AC compressor is responsible for circulating that refrigerant gas all throughout the different components to make the cooling happen. It takes in that refrigerant gas after it's come through the evaporator. This refrigerant is in a low-pressure, low-temperature state at this point. But then the compressor squeezes and compresses the heck out of it, which jacks up the pressure and temperature of the gas dramatically.

Now that hot, high-pressure refrigerant gas gets pushed out of the compressor and over to the condenser. In the condenser, all that heat gets released and the gas condenses back into a high-pressure liquid form. From there, the liquid refrigerant goes through an expansion valve, which drops the pressure and temperature even further before it reaches the evaporator.

Inside the evaporator, that cold, low-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat from the cabin air, causing it to evaporate back into a gas. And that's the cooled air that gets blown into the car's interior. Then the low-pressure gas cycles back to the compressor to start the whole process over again.

Car AC compressor failure symptoms

Car AC compressor failures are crucial for vehicle owners to be aware of. AC compressor failure can lead to discomfort, especially during hot weather, and addressing the issue promptly can prevent further damage and costly repairs. Recognizing the following signs allows you to take preventive action before the situation worsens:

Warm air: The air blowing from your AC vents is warm rather than cool, indicating a lack of proper cooling refrigerant circulation.
Strange noises: Unusual noises, such as grinding, squealing, or rattling, when the AC is turned on can indicate compressor issues.
Vibration: Excessive vibration or shaking felt when the AC is engaged may suggest a problem with the compressor.
AC clutch not engaging: If the AC clutch, the component responsible for engaging and disengaging the compressor, doesn't activate, cooling won't occur.
Leaking refrigerant: A sudden loss of refrigerant or visible leaks around the compressor can point to compressor failure.
Belt issues: Damaged or loose belts connected to the compressor can result in cooling problems and unusual sounds.
Reduced cooling performance: If the AC provides weaker cooling performance than usual, the compressor may not be functioning optimally.
Electrical issues: Malfunctions in the electrical circuitry connected to the compressor can disrupt its operation.
Burnt smell: A burnt or unusual smell when the AC is on might indicate compressor overheating.
Excessive cycling: Rapid on-off cycling of the compressor can indicate problems with its internal components.
Dashboard warning lights: Some vehicles have warning lights that illuminate when there's an issue with the AC system, including the compressor.
Higher engine temperature: AC compressor issues can lead to additional load on the engine, resulting in higher operating temperatures.