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.
Suzuki
The Suzuki Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive and motorcycle manufacturer, established in 1909, over 100 years ago.
How popular is Suzuki in the United Kingdom?
Possibly better known as a leading motorcycle manufacturer, the cars from this marque are becoming a well-known household name in UK motoring. The Suzuki Swift and Suzuki Vitara have made a real impact on UK drivers, being responsible for over half of the 408k Suzuki models on the roads today.
Good value small city cars and SUV driving
Suzuki’s success has been dependent on their provision of small, well-priced cars that offer excellent value and good fuel economy. They offer a selection of city cars and small hatchbacks, with added hybrid fuel options for green drivers and those who want further economy from their motoring.
It’s possibly the Vitara, Ignis and the SX4 S-Cross SUV and crossover models that are making the most impact for this brand, despite not achieving quite the same impressive sales figures as the Swift.
Suzuki provides great technology for budget brand cars
For cars at their price-point, Suzuki crams in a lot of tech. The Vitara, for example, comes with Suzuki’s Boosterjet turbocharged engine and Allgrip 4-wheel drive system for performance, and a host of additional technology for drivability.
It also incorporates driver assistance features such as a lane departure warning that includes visual signals and a vibrating steering wheel, cruise control and fully integrated smartphone connectivity—features you’d tend to expect to find on much higher priced vehicles.
The Suzuki SHVS hybrid system
In the current climate where ecology and green motoring has become prevalent, the ‘Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki’ advanced driving system reduces CO2 emissions and lowers your running costs. What Suzuki has done here, is create a lighter and smaller system than the standard hybrid arrangement. Combine that with their cars’ lightweight chassis and nimble performance, and the efficiency becomes even more impressive.
Suzuki’s reliability and reputation
Suzuki came top of the pile out of the 30 car brands in the What Car? Reliability Survey in 2018. Followed closely by Lexus and Toyota, it was the Japanese and Asian marques that proved to be the most reliable vehicles being driven in the UK.
Recent Suzuki recalls and reliability issues
Various recalls have been made on Suzuki models throughout their motoring history. The following are a list of the most recent in the UK and Europe.
30/11/2018 – Suzuki Swift (2013–2015)
Due to the engine vibrations, the brake lines and the support on which the motor is mounted may come into contact
01/06/2018 – Suzuki Celerio (2018)
The front seat’s side airbag webbing bracket may be defective
30/03/2018 – Suzuki Ignis, Suzuki Swift and Suzuki Baleno (2015–2016)
The engine auto stop-start system might become inoperative
04/01/2017 – Suzuki Jimny (2014–2015)
Resin fragments inside the brake hydraulic control unit might get stuck in the hydraulic control valve
23/09/2016 – Suzuki Jimny (2013–2014)
The brake booster does not work adequately, and thus the brake pedal operation can be harder
19/03/2016 – Suzuki Swift (2013–2015)
The adhesive force of the double-sided tapes which fix the front seat heater to the seat may deteriorate
29/07/2016 – Suzuki Swift/Swift Sport (2014–2015)
A defect in the rear wheel brake may cause a sudden decrease of brake force
10/06/2016 – Suzuki SX4 S-Cross (2013–2016)
The seams of the front seat back covers may have been sewn incorrectly in the area of the side airbag.
All recall information sourced from gov.co.uk data.
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