Auto Tips

Car AC Compressor Oil: Types, How to Change and Cost

29 April, 2024

In order to keep the AC in top condition and cool the cabin temperature, as a car owner you must regularly change the AC compressor oil. The AC system in a car can work well and last long, of course it needs to be maintained and change the oil regularly so that the components that work in it do not wear out or become damaged.

It is not uncommon for car owners to not know the importance of AC compressor oil. Usually car owners only know about engine oil and brake oil, but they don’t know much about other oils.

In fact, if you understand several important components in your car, you can certainly have an understanding of caring for your car so that it lasts longer and is always in top condition. The following is a review of AC compressor oil, starting from the type, how to replace it to the estimated replacement cost.

Types of AC Compressor Oil for Cars

There are several types of oil that are usually used for AC compressors. Several types of oil could be an option for your favorite car.

The following are the types of AC compressor oil:

• PAG (Polyalkylene Glycol) Oil

PAG oil is one of the most common types of oil used in car air conditioners. This type is a synthetic oil that is resistant to high temperatures and has good lubricating properties.

• PAO (Polyalphaolefin) Oil

PAO oil is another type of synthetic oil that is often used. This type is resistant to high temperatures and has good stability under various conditions.

• Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is a type of conventional oil made from mineral-base materials. Although cheaper, mineral oil tends to be less resistant to high temperatures.

How to Check Car AC Compressor Oil

To check whether your car’s AC compressor oil is still suitable or not, you can use the method below. Apart from feeling the easy-to-know signs as above in the following ways:

• Use AC Manifold

The AC manifold is a special AC measurement tool that can measure the lower pressure of the AC. By using this tool, you can find out whether the compressor oil is still suitable for use or not, so you can replace it immediately.

• Visit the Workshop

If you don’t have time to check it yourself, it is recommended that you take your car to an official repair shop to have it checked. You can take your favorite Wuling car to 150 dealers spread throughout Indonesia to get the best service for your car.

Signs that Your car’s AC Compressor Oil is Running Out

If your car’s AC compressor still has a lot of oil or is almost out of oil, you can easily find out by studying the following characteristics:

1. Because running out of AC compressor oil can cause the AC compressor to be unstable, the car AC becomes less powerful when cooled.
2. Friction between AC components becomes greater, which reduces the performance of the AC compressor. Usually indicates that the AC compressor oil is running out.
3. Due to too much friction between the components in the AC, the AC compressor breaks down, which causes a noisy and harsh sound.
4. When the AC is turned on, the car becomes less powerful. This is because when the AC is on, the AC requires more power to maintain performance between components. Thus, if the compressor oil decreases, the AC will of course need more power to maintain performance between components.

How to Change AC Compressor Oil in a Car

There are several steps you can take when changing the AC compressor oil. Here’s how to change AC compressor oil:

• Turn off the AC System

Before you start filling your car’s AC compressor oil, make sure your AC system is not active. Turn off the AC and let the vehicle run for a few minutes. This will relieve system pressure, allowing you to work safely without accidents.

• Find the Location of the AC Compressor

The next step is to find the location of the AC compressor in your car. Usually located near the engine, drive belt, or AC condenser. Carefully scan the area around the machine.

• Find the Oil Fill Point

After finding the AC compressor, check the parts and look for the oil filling point. Piston type compressors usually have a cover that indicates the oil filling location. Carefully remove the cap to access the oil fill point.

• Clean the Area Around the Charging Point

Before you begin filling oil into the system, clean the area around the fill point with a clean cloth to remove any dust, dirt, or other residue that could contaminate the oil. This will minimize the risk of contamination when oil enters the system.

• Start Filling Oil

It’s time to fill oil into the AC compressor. Connect a suitable oil filling device to the filling point you specified previously. Make sure the charging device and charging point are connected securely and tightly.

During the filling process, slowly add the recommended AC compressor oil into the system. To ensure that you do not fill in more oil than recommended, pay attention to the oil level indicator on the filling tool. Filling with more oil can disrupt the performance of the AC compressor.

• Replace the Cover Cap

After filling the oil, make sure the cover cap is installed tightly. This will prevent oil from leaking and reduce contamination.

• Check AC Performance

Check the performance of your AC system after filling the AC compressor oil. Check whether there are any strange symptoms or sounds and whether the AC produces cool air properly.

After reading the explanation above, now you definitely know the importance of AC compressor oil to keep your car in top condition. Make sure to maintain your car regularly and pay attention to the symptoms above so that it is easy to deal with the car’s condition in the future.