Does My Car’s AC Compressor Oil Need to Be Changed?

For your car’s air conditioning system to work properly, it needs an adequate compressor oil supply. Because of this, drivers need to know how often their car’s A/C compressor oil needs to be changed and the common signs that indicate low oil levels.

Depending on your car’s age, you may need to have the compressor oil changed once every few years. If you hear humming sounds, smell a burning odor, or see smoke when you turn on the air conditioning in your vehicle, you may need to get your compressor oil changed. When that time comes, it’s important to take your car to a skilled mechanic. Trying to change your car’s A/C compressor oil yourself isn’t wise. If you do, you may cause additional damage to your car’s air conditioning system.

Our team of ASE-certified mechanics can change your car’s compressor oil and address any additional A/C system issues. To learn more about the car A/C compressor mechanics at AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning, call us today at (305) 909-6127.

How Often Do You Need to Change Your Car’s AC Compressor Oil?

Your car’s A/C compressor is the heart of the vehicle’s air conditioning system. Because it has many parts that all must work in tandem for the compressor to operate properly, lubrication is key. That’s the main function of compressor oil, which needs to be changed periodically.

Each car is different. Depending on the A/C compressor in your vehicle, you may need to change the compressor oil more regularly. For example, older cars with matching compressors will likely need more lubrication for their A/C compressors to work smoothly. Depending on your car’s age, you may need to change the A/C compressor oil once every few months. Other cars can go years without needing to get their A/C compressor oil changed by a mechanic.

That being said, you might not even be aware that your car’s A/C compressor needs oil at all. Compressor oil is one of those crucial aspects of a car’s air conditioning system that many drivers may be unfamiliar with. Because of this, it’s important to take your car to regular inspections with a trusted mechanic. Our ASE-certified mechanics can routinely check your car’s A/C compressor oil to make sure it gets changed when necessary.

Signs Your Car’s AC Compressor Oil Needs to Be Changed

Compressor oil is integral to keeping your car’s A/C system working properly. If your vehicle lacks compressor oil, there will be some telltale signs like humming sounds, refrigerant leaks, burning smells, and visible smoking.

Humming Sounds

If you hear a strange humming noise when switching on your car’s A/C system, you may lack compressor oil. Remember, compressor oil’s main function is lubrication. When there isn’t enough oil to lubricate the parts in your car’s A/C compressor, they may grind together, causing a humming noise.

Refrigerant Leaks

A visible refrigerant leak is a sign that you need to take your vehicle to a car A/C compressor mechanic. When your car lacks compressor oil for lubrication, seals can crack. This can cause a refrigerant leak, which you can spot by checking underneath your car. A refrigerant leak is often accompanied by warm air coming from your vents.

Burning Smell

When there is little to no lubrication in your car’s air conditioning compressor, it may smell like something is burning. Clearly, this is not a good sign. If you smell a burning odor and are unsure whether or not it’s from a lack of compressor oil, try turning your air conditioning on and off. If the smell is only noticeable when the A/C is on, it’s probably because your vehicle lacks A/C compressor oil.

Visible Smoke

When your vehicle lacks compressor oil and you continue to use your air conditioning, your compressor can start to smoke. Because there is a lack of lubrication in your car’s A/C compressor, the parts can grind onto each other. Over time, this can cause significant friction, resulting in smoke. This usually happens when an A/C compressor has absolutely no oil left and can be very dangerous. To avoid smoking, take your vehicle to a Miami car A/C compressor mechanic as soon as you think you might be low on oil.

Should You Change Your Car’s AC Compressor Oil Yourself?

Because car air conditioning compressors are complex systems, it’s not wise to change the compressor oil yourself. If you do, you might risk damaging your car’s A/C system by opting for the wrong compressor oil or mishandling the various parts. Instead, take your vehicle to a car A/C compressor mechanic to change the oil properly.

Depending on your car’s air conditioning system, it may require a specific type of compressor oil. These oils have varying levels of viscosity and lubrication, meaning they can interact with your car’s A/C compressor differently. Choosing the wrong compressor oil for your car can result in improper lubrication, causing more damage to your vehicle’s A/C system. In order to avoid such problems, it’s best to go to a car A/C compressor mechanic. Our professionals can use the right compressor oil for your car to ensure that your air conditioning works smoothly.

In order to change a car’s A/C compressor oil, you have to remove the compressor. If you do this yourself, you risk causing damage to your car’s entire air conditioning system. Not to mention, a lack of oil can cause additional problems you might not realize.

For example, if your car’s A/C has broken seals from a lack of compressor oil, you may need an A/C recharge to refill refrigerant levels. Our ASE-certified mechanics can address any additional issues that are likely to result from a lack of compressor oil and apply the proper repairs quickly.

Our Mechanics Can Change Your Car’s AC Compressor Oil Today

When your car is low on A/C compressor oil, it’s important to take it to a skilled mechanic as soon as possible. To learn more about the Hialeah car A/C compressor mechanics at AAA Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning, call us today at (305) 909-6127.