Undoubtedly, the air conditioner is one of the most vital components you need in your car. However, the compressor is the heart of the air conditioning system. But unfortunately, the compressor doesn’t last a lifetime.
When it has to do with choosing the best car AC compressor brand, Denso, UAC, ACDelco, Four Seasons, Valeo, Delphi, and ECCPP are the top 7 in the world due to their durability and high-performance delivery.
The compressor can either break down due to internal or external problems. While it is easy to fix external faults such as a leaky refrigerant, bad clutch or pulley, etc., it may be challenging to rectify an internal failure.
The aforementioned is the main reason car owners are always looking for the best AC compressor brands. Here’s a well-detailed description of the best compressor brand and a critical guide to help you make a perfect buying decision.
7 Best Car AC Compressor Brand
Among several AC compressor manufacturers in the automotive industry, Denso, UAC, ACDelco, Four Seasons, Valeo, Delphi, and ECCPP rank as the top 7 in the world. After going through this article, you’ll fully understand why these are set apart.
Let’s dig deep into vital details about these top 7 AC compressor brands without further ado.
#1: Denso Car AC Compressor
Denso ranks as the #1 world leader in the supply of AC compressors, clutches, and other related components.
Denso AC Compressor are highly recommended by top automobile manufacturers in the industry because of their strict compliance with OE standards of various vehicle makes and models across the globe.
You can be sure of enjoying the same experience as your vehicle’s initial AC compressor with any of Denso’s AC compressors. The quality of this company’s conditioner compressors is second to none in the automotive parts market.
If you are looking for an original equipment standard compressor for your car, you are right in choosing a Denso AC compressor.
Special Features
- High-quality compact, and lightweight design.
- Designed for specific vehicles and engine specifications.
- Extended durability and high performance.
- Compressors available for all terrain.
- Seamless and faster installation.
#2: UAC AC Compressor
UAC compressors are manufactured in a tier 1 facility with extreme professionalism that does not compromise on delivering exact original equipment specifications. The brand’s compressors are built with first-class materials that guarantee durability and reliability.
UAC AC Compressor undergo stringent testing processes such as salt spray, burst testing, climatic tunnel, disruptive voltage, and sound testing (Anechoic Chamber).
This compressor brand perfect fits cars, trucks, and SUVs. UAC compressors are relatively affordable, considering their top-notch quality, high efficiency, and long service life.
If you’re asking, “Is UAC AC Compressor a good brand?” You can be sure of the component you’re buying with the rigorous validation processes that this company’s air conditioner compressors undergo.
Special Features
- Compressors meet exact original equipment (OE) specifications.
- Components are manufactured in a tier 1 facility.
- High quality and extended service life.
- Very affordable price.
- Fit for cars, trucks, and SUVs.
#3: ACDelco Original AC Compressor
ACDelco also ranks as one of the top 7 best air conditioner compressor brands in the automotive parts market. The compressor is built with highly durable materials to ensure an extended lifespan with exceptional performance and efficiency.
General Motors endorse the ACDelco AC Compressor; hence they are mostly suitable for GM vehicles.
ACDelco Compressors undergo rigorous testing to ensure maximum durability, reliability, and efficiency.
The leak test helps to ensure that users do not experience any leaks throughout the components’ lifespan. If you drive a family car or a GM vehicle, getting an ACDelco
AC compressor for your faulty compressor replacement is a perfect fit for you.
Special Features
- Compressors are engineered to rigorous OE standards.
- 100% visual and leak-tested.
- Built for maintenance-free and trouble-free operations.
- Designed with high quality for reliable and efficient performance.
- Simpler, faster installation with a clutch in virtually all new compressors.
#4: Four Seasons New AC Compressor
Four Seasons air conditioner compressors are built with high-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology to ensure maximum sophisticated output.
With more than 5 decades of manufacturing experience, Four Seasons AC Compressor are nothing short of excellence.
The compressors undergo various rigorous quality check procedures such as pressure, vacuum, noise, and leak testing.
Four Seasons AC Compressors are built to the original equipment specifications. Their compressors come pre-filled with oil to prevent friction, deliver performance consistency, and maintain an extended lifespan.
You can’t be wrong in choosing this AC compressor brand if your goal is to get a durable OE standard compressor for your car.
Special Features
- Compressors are built with high quality, reliability, and longevity.
- Shrink-wrapped packaging for safety during shipping.
- Relatively less affected by liquid slugging.
- Simple design for easy installation.
- Built for on or off-road vehicles and for all weather.
#5: Valeo AC Compressor
Valeo is another well-respected brand in the automotive parts market. The manufacturing of the company’s air conditioner compressors is handled by competent hands, ensuring consistency in quality.
Valeo AC compressors are designed with seven axial pistons for performance enhancement. This aftermarket AC compressor manufacturer combines an oil separator system and an improved discharge valve to boost the performance of their compressors.
Valeo AC Compressor are also built to minimize fuel consumption rate and reduce CO2 emissions. Meanwhile, the internal heat exchanger in their compressors is built to boost your AC cooling power and improve overall performance.
If you have a bad AC compressor that requires a new replacement, buying a Valeo AC Compressor will be wise.
Special Features
- Built to original equipment specifications.
- Quieter operation and extended service life.
- Reduces fuel consumption by 7% – 20%.
- Offers remanufactured compressors at relatively affordable prices.
- Compressors are subjected to rigorous quality testing processes.
#6: Delphi Air Conditioning Compressor
Delphi is another powerful air conditioner compressor brand in the automotive industry that manufactures some of the best AC compressors. The company’s AC compressors are manufactured with solid materials that depict durability, resilience, and efficiency.
With over 5 decades of engineering experience, Delphi has a robust heritage in manufacturing high-quality and reliable compressors. Delphi AC compressors are primarily manufactured in North America. The operations of their compressors are absolutely eco-friendly.
Like other top AC compressor brands in the market, Delphi AC Compressor is well-tested for durability, reliability, efficiency, and optimal performance delivery. This AC compressor brand is relatively easy to install, saving time.
Lastly, their smooth and quiet operations make them very exceptional for anyone looking for a high-quality compressor with minimal vibration or noise.
Special Features
- Piston technology perfectly provides original equipment standards.
- Designed with enhanced harmonic motion mechanism.
- Built with valve plate design for faster cooling.
- Smoother and quieter operations.
- Swash plate design reduces friction and weight.
#7: ECCPP AC Compressor
ECCPP is a powerful compressor brand that combines quality materials and state-of-the-art technology to build its products.
Their air conditioner compressors are built with a clutch. The high quality and durability of the components reveal the extent of engineering competence behind the creation of the parts.
ECCPP is one of the best AC compressor brands in the United States. UAC CO AC Compressor provides a quiet and maintenance-free experience. Indeed, a combination of high quality, efficiency, extended lifespan, and relatively affordable cost is something to take advantage of.
Special Features
- Compressors are subjected to stringent tests, especially leak test.
- 100% strong cooling and smoother operation.
- Compressors are built to perfect original equipment standards.
- Corded electric power source.
- Easy and faster installation.
What to Notice When Choosing a Car AC Compressor
Knowing that your bad AC compressor needs a replacement and opting for a new part is not enough. You must carefully select a new compressor for your car’s air conditioning system in order to get the best out of the new component.
Here’s a well-detailed guide to help you choose the best car AC compressor for your vehicle. Ensure that the compressor you select passes through this six-step guide before making a buying decision.
Durability
Inasmuch as air conditioner compressors do not last very long for real due to the friction between their components, solid compressors in the market can serve a reasonable usage period.
You want to avoid splashing a lot of money on a new compressor only to return for another replacement within a short time. That’s why durability is one of the foremost factors to consider when choosing an AC compressor for your car.
So, ensure to check the material used in manufacturing the compressor and the specifications to ensure it conforms to the original equipment standard.
Pay attention to the details of the various stringent durability and quality tests that the component was subjected to during the manufacturing process.
Vibration/noise level
How would you feel driving with a loud, disturbing noise or vibration from your car’s AC compressor? That experience can be frustrating, especially when the noise lingers long or remains indefinitely.
Some AC compressors are subjected to various stringent tests for quality, leaks, sound, and disruptive voltage checks to ensure the final output is excellent.
Meanwhile, some compressors come charged with lubricant to minimize their noise during operation. So, it is vital to check for a compressor with a quiet and smooth operation before making a buying decision.
Lubricant type
AC compressors rely on refrigerant to function properly without any hassles. Meanwhile, the type of lubricant used in a compressor is a factor that determines the service life of the component.
While some air conditioner compressors from famous manufacturers come with already pre-filled refrigerant, others may not. When it comes to refrigerants, a good one should refrain from freezing or boiling during cold or hot weather conditions, respectively.
Therefore, you must carefully check for the recommended refrigerant for a particular AC compressor before you picking it up and paying.
Power usage
The air conditioning system derives its power from the vehicle’s engine. However, various cars have different voltage and power supplies for the HVAC system. In correlation, various AC compressors have unique voltage and power usage ratings.
That being said, it is crucial to inspect the specifications of the AC compressor you intend to buy, whether or not the voltage and power rating align with your car’s power supply capacity. This is because more powerful compressors consume a lot of power.
Nevertheless, virtually all the compressor manufacturers outlined in this review produce solid power-efficient air conditioner compressors.
In other words, the compressors from these brands deliver powerful but operate with minimal power consumption rates. This is a good one for your car battery’s health.
Ease of installation
Nowadays, car owners employ the DIY strategy to fix or replace faulty components in their cars to minimize costs. Hence, buying parts with a seamless installation process is something to consider.
The various air conditioner compressor brands listed above supply different car AC compressor types that are very easy to install, such that a beginner can handle the installation process without a professional.
So, if you’re a DIYer, choosing a compressor with ease of installation would be an advantage as it will save you time and money. While this may not be a primary reason to buy a compressor, it is definitely an advantageous factor.
Pricing
Sometimes, our buying decisions are regulated by the price of the item we intend to acquire. The same applies to buying a new replacement AC compressor. While some compressors have fantastic quality and performance capacity, they can be relatively expensive.
However, you can either go for brand new OE standard AC compressors or remanufactured AC compressors. No doubt, the brand new compressors are more expensive.
Nevertheless, some renowned manufacturers supply refurbished AC compressors with good quality and pocket-friendly prices. So, consider your budget before opting for a compressor for your car.
Here’s a simple piece of advice: buy a brand new OE standard compressor at a relatively affordable price. Most of the AC compressor brands in this review manufacture relatively affordable parts, as their prices are usually lesser compared to the quality and efficiency of the compressors they offer.
FAQs
How long do car AC compressors last?
Car AC compressors’ average lifespan is 10 – 12 years. However, a compressor can encounter an unexpected failure before this time frame. It is important to note that most vehicle AC compressors never attain their lifespan for different reasons.
Your maintenance style will go a long way to determining whether or not your car’s AC compressor will attain its expected service life. Meanwhile, replacing the component is the best way out if you experienced a compressor failure in your car.
What is the capacity of car AC compressor?
A car’s AC compressor capacity is 10 – 1000 CFM. Most passenger cars are built with an air conditioner compressor capacity of 1000 Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) airflow at a pressure level of 2 bar and around 12 – 24 volts.
The importance of having an optimal AC compressor capacity level must be considered. A decline in the standard compressor capacity will alter the proper functionality of the component.
Is car AC compressor repairable?
Yes, you can repair a faulty car AC compressor if the problem is due to a minor external fault, such as a refrigerant leak or recharge hose won’t fit. This can cost around $160 – $1,000, depending on the extent of the fault and the type of vehicle.
While it is possible to fix slight malfunctions in automotive air conditioning compressors, there are more complicated internal faults that would necessitate a complete replacement of a bad compressor in some cases.
When should I replace my car compressor?
You must change your car’s air conditioner compressor when the component fails or breaks down. The compressor is a significant part of the HVAC system; hence, it must be replaced when faulty if the AC must work perfectly.
Otherwise, attempting to repair a bad compressor may end up as a waste of time and money because the repair may not be sustainable before the component breaks down again.
Conclusion
A bad AC compressor has various challenges that can sometimes be very frustrating. Therefore, if you have a damaged air conditioner compressor, replace the component as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, carefully follow the buying guide above to identify the best car AC compressor brand for your vehicle. Also, ensure to put your budget into consideration when choosing a particular compressor brand.
Nevertheless, replacing a compressor can be quite expensive, irrespective of your chosen brand. So, the main focus should be on going for a brand with high quality, durability, efficiency, and relatively affordable prices.