Driving in summer with faulty air conditioning is more than a pleasure. This saving fresh airflow is due to the help of two key auto parts on the front of your vehicle. Hidden by the bodywork, the automotive air conditioning compressor pressurizes your car’s air conditioning fluid while the air conditioning condenser condenses it before blowing fresh air through your automobile’s ventilation system.
If you notice that your car air conditioning is no longer ventilating its fresh air as it did when it started, it will be a good idea to test your car air conditioning compressor. In this article, we will introduce you to the 10 best automotive air conditioning compressors and condensers that you can find in the aftermarket.
Best Car AC Compressor 2022
The air conditioning in your car is made up of different parts. The air conditioning compressor is arguably the most important part of your air conditioning system. Indeed, it is he who increases the pressure of the gas in the circuit so that it is then liquefied in order to create cold.
What is a car air conditioning compressor for?
Along with the condenser and evaporator, a car’s air conditioning compressor is one of the main parts of the air conditioning system. The air conditioning compressor is responsible for increasing the pressure of the gas in the system so that it can be liquefied and expanded to create the desired cold air.
More precisely, the compressor is a rotating element, driven by a pulley connected to the accessory belt. It is therefore powered by the engine, which explains why you consume more fuel when your air conditioning is on.
A car’s air conditioning compressor sucks in low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant gas and then compresses it to help the gas flow through the air conditioning system.
There are different types of air conditioning compressors, but two of them are found in cars:
- The alternative air conditioning compressor: is made up of several pistons. This is the most common type of air conditioning compressor. The transformation of the rotational movement into translational movement thanks to a swashplate allows it to operate.
- The rotary air conditioning compressor: is composed of blades and a rotor. It is their rotation that allows the refrigerant gas to be compressed.
There are also sometimes vane air conditioning compressors.
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Best Car AC Compressor | Comparison Table 2022
5-Stars Pick | Great Prices | High Quality
| Image | Title | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denso 471-1630 New Compressor with Clutch | Denso | Check Price | |
| UAC-CO0011C COMPRESSOR - NEW COMPRESSOR | UAC | Check Price | |
| GM Genuine Parts 15-20941 Air Conditioning Compressor and Clutch Assembly | ACDelco | Check Price | |
| Delphi CS0120 AC Compressor | Delphi | Check Price | |
| ACDelco 15-22359 GM Original Equipment Air Conditioning Compressor | ACDelco | Check Price | |
| Universal Air Conditioner KT 4154 A/C Compressor and Component Kit | UAC | Check Price | |
| RYC Remanufactured AC Compressor and A/C Clutch AIG567 (Does Not Fit Volkswagen Passat 3.6L) | R&Y A/C Compressors | Check Price | |
| UAC KT 4826 A/C Compressor and Component Kit, 1 Pack | UAC | Check Price | |
| SCITOO CO 11319C AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible for Maxima Murano Pathfinder 3.5L 2011 2012 2013 2015 2015 | SCITOO | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Car AC Compressor | 2022 Products Overview
1. Denso 471-1630
- When it comes to new ac compressors, you can’t do better than going with the unit manufactured by the OE supplier
- OE-Specified O-Rings and Seals Compatible with both R12 and R134a Refrigerants
- As one of the world’s largest OE suppliers of A/C compressors, Denso knows these units better than anyone because they originally designed them.
- Thrust bearings are structured to withstand tension and stress for maximum durability.
- Pistons are PTFE treated for smooth, efficient operation.
- Lightweight aluminum valve, shaft and swash plates for added strength. OE specified O-rings and seals are compatible with both R12 and R134a refrigerants.
- Snap rings are designed to improve performance under extreme heat. Includes OE-specified oil.
2. UAC-CO0011C COMPRESSOR
- Brand New, OE replacement: UAC branded C171 Compressor Assembly
- 100% Fit! Add your car (year/make/model) to s garage to confirm
- Premium ISO/TS 16949 quality; tested to meet or exceed OEM specifications
- Includes: body, clutch, pulley & coil; compressor may come charged with shipping oil to keep the part lubricated during transit - drain and replace according to your systems requirements
- All units are pressure tested with nitrogen for leaks to ensure product quality; product is backed by industry leading
3. GM Genuine Parts 15-20941
- 100% visual- and leak-tested to ensure the components quality and durability
- Some GM Genuine Parts may have formerly appeared as ACDelco GM Original Equipment (OE)
- GM Genuine Parts are designed, engineered and tested to rigorous standards, and are backed by General Motors
- GM Engineers design and validate OE parts specifically for your Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle
- GM regularly updates production and service part designs to integrate new materials and technologies
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4. Delphi CS0120 AC Compressor
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific
- OE connectors saves valuable time during installation not to have to splice wires or reposition wiring harnesses.
- Type of Compressor: 16.15. Clutch Diameter: N.
- Package Weight: 7.693 kilograms
- OE Part-same one that you get from the vehicle manufacturer Clutch & Pulley fully installed at factory
- Full OE assemblies with OE connectors, clutch assemblies and sealing washers included with every compressor sold - saving time and money
- OE connectors saves valuable time during installation not to have to splice wires or reposition wiring harnesses.
5. ACDelco Gold 15-22124A
- 100% visual- and leak-tested to ensure components quality and durability
- Some ACDelco Gold parts may have formerly appeared as ACDelco Professional
- Premium aftermarket replacement part
- Manufactured to meet specifications for fit, form, and function for General Motors vehicles as well as most makes and models
- Product Dimensions 11.4 x 7.2 x 7.6 inches (29 x 18.3 x 19.3 cm)
- ACDelco Gold (Professional) Air Conditioning Compressors are a high quality alternative to Original Equipment (OE) parts.
- These A/C Compressors pump refrigerant through the system and are a high-quality replacement for many vehicles on the road today.
- The compressors are typically engine driven via the drive belt, and an A/C compressor clutch can be used to engage and disengage the compressors. Hybrid vehicles are typically equipped with an electric motor-driven compressor.
- The compressors are lubricated by OEM-specific refrigerant oil. ACDelco Gold (Professional) parts are manufactured to meet your expectations for fit, form, and function, making them a smart choice for General Motors vehicles, as well as most makes and models, including special applications.
6. Universal Air Conditioner KT 4154
- Brand New, OE replacement: UAC branded Compressor Kit
- Premium ISO/TS 16949 quality; tested to meet or exceed OEM specifications
- Includes: compressor & clutch, drier / accumulator, expansion device, 8oz bottle of PAG oil, seal kit; compressor may come charged with shipping oil to keep the part lubricated during transit - drain and replace according to your systems requirements
- 100% Guaranteed Fit! Add your car (year/make/model) to desertcarts garage to confirm.
- UAC parts are manufactured and tested to meet or exceed OE specifications.
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7. RYC Remanufactured AC Compressor
- Premium Quality Remanufactured AC Compressor and A/C Clutch.
- All of our compressors come pre-filled with the correct amount of oil.
- Guaranteed fit! Confirm that this Compressor will fit your vehicle by using Amazons garage.
- Please match the photos with your existing compressor before purchasing this part.
- Guaranteed fit! Confirm that this Compressor will fit your vehicle by using Amazons garage.
- Each compressor is tested for noise, leaks, and durability.
- All Of Our Compressors Come Pre-Filled With The Correct Amount Of Oil..
8. UAC KT 4826 A/C Compressor
- Brand New, OE replacement, UAC branded Compressor Replacement Kit
- Lab tested in the United States to meet or exceed OEM specifications (Premium ISO/TS 16949 quality)
- Add your car (year/make/model) to garage to confirm a perfect fit
- 68664, 6512409, 140263, 92600JA00A-Nissan/Infiniti92600ZN40B-Nissan/Infiniti92600ZX50A-Nissan/Infiniti92600ZE90B-Nissan/Infiniti
- UAC is an industry leading, full line manufacturer of aftermarket air conditioning parts.
- UAC parts are manufactured and tested to meet or exceed OE specifications.
- The UAC brand has been trusted by mechanics and vehicle owners around the world for more than 30 years, offering the perfect fit at an affordable price.
9. SCITOO CO 11319C AC Compressor
- AC Compressor Fitment: 2008-2015 for Maxima Murano Pathfinder Quest 3.5L
- Advantages: Compressors are the heart of the air conditioning system,so each SCITOO air conditioner compressor is subjected to a variety of conditions and life cycle performance testing. 100% Brand New and High Quality, Fully re-manufactured and tested OEM unit-premium ISO/TS 16949 quality
- AC Compressor and AC Clutch Part Number: CO 11319C
- Important Reminder: Before installing the ac compressor pump please clean the cooling system pipe of the your car, If debris or metal shavings in the cooling system pipe make the system stuck,it will shorten the life of the parts dramatically
- Warranty: All units are pressure tested with nitrogen for leaks to ensure product quality; Air conditioning compressor is backed by industry leading warranty, 1 year warranty
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How does the car air conditioner compressor work?
First of all, stated that the car air conditioner does not generate any cold air but simply subtracts the hot area from the passenger compartment. Then the hot air present in the passenger compartment enters the evaporator and is cooled by a cold liquid which is put into circulation by the compressor. Thanks to it, the liquid passes to the condenser, and liquefaction occurs here. Then the fluid is sent to a tank where the impurities and humidity will be retained. And only now the liquid is vaporized.
Therefore the compressor performs an absolutely fundamental action in the operation of an air conditioner since it has the purpose of compressing the gas that comes out of the evaporator.
The displacement of the compressor is variable so there will be no excessive consumption. In fact, the engine absorbs only the power needed to cool the passenger compartment. The connection between the motor and compressor takes place via an electro-clutch.
The noise we hear when we turn on the car’s air conditioning is precisely that which comes from connecting the clutch to the engine.
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How does a car’s Air Conditioning system work | Video Explanation
Tips for optimal use of air conditioning in your car
We have seen how important the compressor is in the operation of car air conditioners, but if we want to fully exploit its potential it will also be good to follow some small rules.
How many times when we get into the car do we not waste time and immediately turn on the air conditioning?
This is an action that should never be done. We understand the need to cool the passenge
r compartment after the car has perhaps been parked in a place where the sun’s rays have “roasted” it pretty well, but this is not the right move. First, you need to ventilate the interior of the car. So we open the windows and doors and already this simple action allows us to lower the temperature inside a little. After that, you have to turn on the air (not the conditioned one, attention) for about two minutes and only then start the air conditioner.
For a better feeling of freshness, it is advisable to orient the vents so that the air spreads evenly. There must not be too much disparity between the temperature felt in the lower limbs and that felt in the upper limbs.
We give the last piece of advice for your health: better to spend the air conditioning (not the fan) in the last two minutes of travel, not so much to save on consumption, but above all for your health so you will avoid the dreaded “sudden change in temperature. “.
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What is the lifespan of an air conditioning compressor?
While refrigerant gas lasts an average of two years, a compressor can last for more than 10 years, or even the life of your car. But this is only true if you have the system serviced and regularly clean your air conditioning system. So have it serviced by a professional at least once a year.
In addition, be aware that:
- Intense use, in hot areas, for example, will reduce the endurance of your air conditioning compressor;
- The seals on your compressor can deteriorate and cause leaks if you rarely activate your air conditioning. To extend the life of your air conditioning, you have to run it for about fifteen minutes every two weeks, summer and winter.
How much does a Car Air conditioning compressor cost?
Different types of air conditioning exist (manual, automatic, dual-zone car, etc.), not to mention that a large SUV interior needs more power than that of a micro-city car. The price of an air conditioning compressor often varies between 300 and 400 $.
If you want to change it, it is possible to buy it second-hand, but you cannot be sure that it will last a long time. You will have to add the cost of labor to the price of the compressor anyway.
If you notice an anomaly in your air conditioning and you think that this fault is due to your compressor, we advise you to go through a professional and not to carry out the operation yourself. Go through Vroomly to find the best garage at the best price!
Hi, I am David Bailey a dedicated writer from Linden Bridge School with a degree in mechanical engineering and a degree in marketing. I strive to simplify complex subjects and like to explain complex and technical matters in an easy-to-understand manner. Read More Here
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