My Car Air Conditioning isn’t Blowing Cold. Can I Cause Damage if I Run it Anyway? Auto Repair in South Windsor CT Explains

Yes! Believe it or not, you can cause a lot of damage. In fact, you can do damage in two different ways. Here’s why.

First of all, if your car’s A/C System isn’t cooling, it’s probably low on refrigerant. That’s typically because of a leak. But understand this – the refrigerant that keeps you cool also provides cooling for the air conditioning (AC) compressor. So if you continue to run your car’s A/C when it’s not cooling, you could be overheating your compressor.

Typical car air conditioning compressor and clutch assembly

Secondly, understand that your A/C System circulates oil. That oil is in the system to lubricate the compressor. In fact, that’s the only reason your car air conditioning system has oil – for compressor lubrication.

Therefore, if the system isn’t cooling, it’s probably low on refrigerant. That means the compressor isn’t getting the proper cooling – but it’s not getting the proper lubrication (compressor oil) either!

Also know that if you continue to run your air conditioning system when it’s not cooling or blowing cold air, you WILL do damage and the system will NOT start getting cool on it’s own.

Your best bet is to book a service appointment and let us determine the real problem with your A/C system. With just a few tests for pressures, compressor operation and leaks, we’ll be able to tell you what’s wrong!