Oxford
Oxford, situated in the heart of England, is a bustling city renowned for its prestigious university and rich academic history. With a population of approximately 150,000, it stands as one of the most populous cities in the region.
The most popular cars in Oxford
Delving into the realm of car ownership in Oxford, we uncover fascinating insights from data collected over the years. Taking the lead as the most favored car in the city is the Ford Fiesta, capturing the hearts of Oxford residents with its reliability and efficiency. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes A-Class, Nissan Qashqai, and the Kia Sportage.
It is worth mentioning that Oxford exhibits a notable preference for eco-friendly vehicles, aligning with the city's commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. Electric and hybrid cars have gained popularity among Oxford's environmentally conscious population, contributing to a greener automotive landscape.
Vehicle numbers in Oxford
Oxford boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 100,000 cars registered within its boundaries. This substantial figure reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the necessity for reliable car maintenance services to keep these vehicles running smoothly.
Postcodes and suburbs in Oxford
Oxford is divided into various postcodes and suburbs, each with its own distinct characteristics. Notable areas include OX1 (City Centre, Jericho, and Osney), OX2 (North Oxford, Summertown, and Wolvercote), OX3 (Headington, Marston, and Risinghurst), and OX4 (Cowley, Iffley, and Littlemore). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Oxford.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Oxford residents, we understand the significance of providing exceptional services to ensure their cherished vehicles remain in optimal condition. Whether it's regular maintenance, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who possess a deep understanding of Oxford's unique automotive requirements.
What does an air conditioning compressor do?
The AC compressor pumps and pressurises the refrigerant through the air conditioning system, feeding cold air into your car. The compressor is powered by your car’s engine.
How often should a compressor need replacing?
A well-maintained and properly serviced compressor could last as long as your car does. However, as with all vehicle components, they’re prone to wear and tear. Leakage and blockage can create irreparable damage.
The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT
A faulty air compressor won’t affect your car’s MOT, but it can affect the comfort of you and your passengers. It’s worth keeping your air conditioning running correctly as the impact it can have on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency could affect the day-to-day cost of your motoring.
What happens when we replace your AC compressor?
Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will check for possible fault codes relating to your air conditioning that could lead them directly to a compressor fault.
The air conditioning system will be checked thoroughly, including electric and pressure components.
Wherever required your compressor will be replaced, and you’ll be advised of any other connected or associated problems arising from its malfunction. Important associated parts will also be removed and cleaned.
You will be advised of any other parts that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle. This includes replacement of refrigerant and possibly the orifice tube and receiver dryer.
Once the faulty compressor has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure the correct running of the new part and make any adjustments required for its premium operation.
What causes an AC compressor to stop working correctly?
Over time, the internal components of a compressor can wear or fail, including the seals that cannot be replaced independently.
In other cases, the valves, pistons, bearings or clutch may need replacing, and it could be a cheaper option to replace the complete unit rather than each of the individual parts.
Your compressor may have stopped working properly due to infiltration by dirt and debris, or from being affected by other faulty parts in the system.
Symptoms of a malfunctioning AC compressor
Your air con doesn’t work
If the air conditioning in your car doesn’t function as it normally would then it could be down to a faulty compressor.
There is no cool air
If your air vents aren’t producing cool air when your AC is operational, it could be your compressor that’s malfunctioning.
Your fuel consumption isn’t as good as normal
A malfunctioning compressor could also affect your fuel consumption, so if you notice that you’re not achieving your usual mpg, it could be time to have your compressor checked.
Unusual noises in the engine bay
If you hear a ticking noise coming from your engine, then this could be a sign that your compressor is damaged.
The AC unit is damp
If there are patches of fluid around the AC unit, this could also be a sign of a faulty compressor.