When a vehicle is brand new, the interior climate often feels brisk and refreshing as soon as you activate the air conditioning system. Over time, however, it’s not unusual for that once-icy stream of air to lose some of its chill. Gradual wear, environmental factors, and ordinary aging can all affect how cold the air blows from the vents. In fact, under common driving conditions, an air conditioning system might lose roughly five percent or more of its cooling efficiency each passing year.

Replacing your car’s A/C compressor is a substantial task that restores the cooling power you rely on, especially in warm weather. Over time, the compressor—the central component of the air conditioning system—can wear out, leak refrigerant, or fail altogether. When it stops working as it should, your vehicle’s cabin can become unbearable in high temperatures, and overall comfort takes a significant hit.

As summer temperatures intensify across the United States, the effects on people are immediately noticeable: sweltering commutes, sweaty brows, and an unrelenting desire to find even the slightest hint of shade. Yet it’s not only humans that feel the brunt of the heat. Vehicles, too, are subject to the relentless beating sun and elevated temperatures that can stress or degrade their various components. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can fade automotive paint, harden and crack interior trims, and weaken rubber components like belts and seals. Intense heat can also influence the fluids that keep your vehicle running smoothly, accelerating the breakdown of oils and coolants or causing vapors to form in fuel lines.