The summers in Dubai are terrible. You have the AC on full blast because you’re stuck in traffic… and something suddenly seems to have gone wrong with the AC. While you may be wondering what went wrong, to be honest, the signs might have been there for a long time.
If your car is blowing hot air or making strange noises, it’s probably because of a failing air compressor.Some of these signs are easy to miss, even for people who have owned cars for years.
What Does a Car AC Compressor Do?
It’s kind of like the heart of your car’s air conditioning. It moves coolant through the system and keeps your vehicle cool.
AC compressors can last anywhere from 8 to 10 years, but it depends on how well you take care of them. If you don’t take care of them, they might die much faster.
It has a clutch and pulley system that only works when the air conditioner is turned on. Even if everything else is fine, the compressor won’t work if the clutch breaks.
Symptoms Your AC Compressor Might Be Failing
Lookout for the signs below as they might be signs of your car’s failing AC compressor
- Hot air– This is clear, right? It’s sometimes just a little warmer than normal, though. Do not disregard it.
- Noises that are too loud- Grinding, screaming, rattling, it sounds like a robot is having a breakdown.
- Leaking coolant- Puddles under your car? It’s probably not your morning coffee, but a coolant.
- Circuit Breaker: Fuses can blow when a blower stops working.
Sometimes it’s not the compressor; it could be the clutch, the serpentine belt, or the lack of coolant. What’s hard about it? Even skilled car owners often get it wrong. People have spent a lot of money fixing the wrong part.
Tip: If you hear hissing sounds from your air conditioner when it’s on, that’s probably the coolant leaving. If you don’t fix it, it will finally damage the compressor too.
Cost of Car AC Compressor Repair
- It takes AED 1,500 to AED 3,500 to replace the compressor on average, and around AED 2,000 to AED 4,000 in total. Yes, prices do change based on the type of car, its age, and how fancy its AC is.
The costs can also double if you delay the repair. Why? Because a broken compressor can hurt other parts like the radiator, belts, and hoses. In that “wait a little longer” frame of mind? Not worth it.
Solutions and Quick Fixes
Here is what you can do if you suspect a failing air compressor
- Sometimes it’s just a lack of coolant in the cooler. Fix is simple, quick, and cheap.
- When the compressor is really broken, you should get a new one. If you don’t like fires, don’t do it yourself.
- Look at the electricals – It’s sometimes not the compressor that’s broken, but the wires or the clutch.
Tip: Getting regular car AC service in Dubai can keep you from having big problems. No, really. A little upkeep now will save you a lot of trouble later.
Also, don’t forget about the little things. If the condenser fan or belt is loose, it can look like the compressor isn’t working. Skilled techs always check these first before saying the compressor is broken.
How to Keep Your AC Compressor in Good Shape
Here are some useful things you can do:
- If your car is really hot, don’t turn on the AC right away. Let it cool down first
- At least once a year, service
- Check the amount of the coolant often
What are those strange sounds? Don’t ignore it.
And to be honest, there are times when it’s better to pay for a professional check than to just fill up the refrigerant at the store. In a certified service shop, small problems can be found and fixed before they get too big.
Conclusion
That’s right, car air conditioner motors are tricky little things. But you’ll be ahead of the game if you know the signs, prices, and ways to fix it.
Stay cool in Dubai during the summer by taking care of your air conditioner. It’s important to keep things in good shape. Don’t wait until you’re so hot that you could run a race in the desert.
When it’s hot in the UAE, your air conditioning isn’t just a nice-to-have. Take care of it.
