Vios 2008 - Compressor

Ah Hong gave the car air-con compressor a new life today. There's no apparent reason why I should be blogging this because I am not a car-nut but I am writing this to spread a bit of knowledge to readers out there. Whichever car you own, it is still the same spare part, probably a different model. Unless you are a bicycle purist and don't even drive a car and probably don't even need air-conditioning. So here goes ...

The breakdown of air-conditioning in a car usually occur for several reasons. It could be refrigerant leaks, worn parts such as condenser, compressor, blown fuses, belts, etc. Mine was caused by a worn clutch/pulley. A worn clutch and pulley can be repaired in which the market calls it a 're-conditioned'. According to Ah Hong, he can repair it at a lower price approximate less than RM500 but it is highly likely going to give you the same kind of problem again in another few months time. Hence, the entire compressor (Denso) is replaced - costing an approximate RM1,100 inclusive of the gas and labour service. I took the option of replacing the whole unit as it is recommended and has warranty.

My car is a 2008 Toyota Vios, has clocked mileage of 140,000km and never has the air-con serviced. The car's maturity is not based on the age of car but rather the total mileage. The average life span for most compressor is around 4-5 years which I think one might have clocked similar mileage. Over here, a life span of 3 years (140,000km) is a little bit of premature death but it could be due to bad maintenance or someone who drives the car like a bulldozer.

Look closer into the pics .. the entire compressor will look like it can take a lot of abuse, which I don't doubt it can. The clutch is where most drivers will have problems with.