10 Best Car AC Compressor in 2024 | Expert’s Guide

An air conditioner is one of the most desired tools that we want to have in our cars. It makes us relaxed and comfortable while riding our cars. But it is unfortunate that the OEM air conditioner does not last forever.

It stops working after a certain period. Especially, the compressors of our air conditioners get damaged.

If you experience this bitter thing, you must be in search of an AC compressor for your car. But you have to face the excretion of your sweat at the time of choosing the best car AC compressor.

However, don’t get panicked. We have made a list of the top AC compressors for your convenience.

Best Car AC Compressor Choices in 2023

As we have already said, it is a cumbersome job to find out a great AC compressor from the market. The reason is very typical. There is a bunch of low-quality manufacturers out there.

As a result, whenever you approach buying an AC compressor, you will get entangled with low-quality products.

For this reason, we have researched the AC compressors found in the market. In the end, we have come up with 10 compressors, which are above the average quality.

Our list, however, includes UAC CO 4918AC, ACDelco 15-20941, UAC CO 10736C, New AC Compressor Kit, RYC AC Compressor and Clutch, Delphi CS0120, BuyAutoParts 60-80319RK, Universal AC Kit 4037, Denso 471-1407, and Delphi CS20010.

Best Car AC Compressor : Expert’s Guide to Consider

Well, you must know some basic things before buying an AC compressor. If you are not acquainted with them, you will find it hard to choose a good AC compressor. By the way, let’s check what you need to know at the time of choosing the best car AC compressor.

What an AC Compressor Does: The main goal of an AC compressor is to make the air cool inside your car. A compressor is, in fact, the main component of the AC system of your vehicle. When the AC compressor of your vehicle is damaged, your car will stop getting cool air.

However, the compressor of your car AC makes the air cool in a specialized way. It pumps a mixture of Freon and specialized oil through the system. In the end, it comes up with cool air.

What the Product Includes: Well, you should know what your desired product includes. Check out the details of your desired product to know the components it offers. This is an important task because you may not need some components for the AC of your car. Even you may be in need of some other components.

In order to get all the components, you have to advance to buy a kit. In general, a kit includes all the necessary components that you need while installing an AC compressor into your car. Even if you choose a kit, you should be aware of what components the product includes.

Type of Oil: It may seem that it is not that important to know what type of oil your compressor requires. In reality, it is one of the most important things you need to consider while buying an AC compressor.

In the market, you will find several types of compressor oil. You will make a mistake if you think that you can use any type of oil in your compressor. By the way, make sure what type of oil your compressor needs, and then go for buying that very compressor for your car.

Decide on OEM: If you do not know what OEM is, then you should know it first. In general, OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. If you choose OEM compressors for your car, you will not have to worry about your AC system for a long time.

Actually, OEM compressors are of tip-top quality. They provide you with high performance. As they are great in all aspects, you will have to spend some additional bucks for them. But your money will be spent on a great AC compressor when you choose an OEM compressor.

10 Best AC Compressors Comparison

Our 10 Picks of the Best AC Compressors Review

You have got in touch with the top 10 AC compressors found in the market. It is time to pick the one that meets all your demands. You have to learn all the details of the product to know which one would be best for you.

In this segment of the article, we have discussed all of the compressors in detail. For instance, you will get to know the key features, pros, and cons of each compressor. This information will help you decide easily.

Remember, you should not be in a hurry while reading the necessary information. It is because you may come up with the wrong product when you do so. And this will ultimately force you to fall into trouble. However, let’s check out our list of top 10 AC compressors in detail without any delay.

1. UAC CO 4918AC – An Outstanding AC Compressor for Car

UAC CO 4918AC is such a great AC Compressor that we have put it on the top of our list. The compressor is unquestionable from all aspects. As a result, it has been able to satisfy all the customers that have bought it.

Each compressor of UAC brand is loaded with PAG oil which protects internal components from rust, Oxidization and makes sure proper lubrication.

This compressor passes its quality to go through different rigorous validation processes such as Burst Testing, Sound & Insulation Testing to ensure lifetime durability, Salt Spray Testing, Temperature Protection Testing, and Disruptive Voltage Testing.

The compressor comes as OE replacement. In the case of fittings, you will not have to worry about the product.

The product makes sure that it will fit your car without any issue. In fact, the manufacturer of the product gives a 100% guarantee in this regard.

The quality of the compressor is also beyond question. It ensures the quality of ISO/TS 16949. The product is poignantly tested in order to meet OEM specifications.

So, you can lean your back against your sofa while thinking of the quality of the compressor.

The product, however, includes body, pulley, clutch, and coil. And all the units of the product are tested to make sure there is no leak. Besides, you will enjoy a satisfactory warranty when you buy the product.

Key Features of the Product:

• OE replacement
• Effective fittings
• ISO/TS 16949
• Lubricated parts
• Pressure tested
• To cover your car, truck, or SUV

Check Latest Price

Bottom Line:
If you are skeptical about AC compressors, then you must be happy to know that UAC AC Compressor for Car is a superb compressor for your vehicle. The compressor is made of high-quality materials and so you will enjoy the facility of it for a long time.

2. ACDelco 15-20941 – A Superb Compressor for Your Vehicle

While you are searching for a good AC Compressor, you might find ACDelco 15-20941 in the market. And this compressor can be a great choice for your vehicle as it has a variety of facilities to offer to its users.

At the time of buying an AC compressor, you might be worried about potential leaks in the tool.

In this case, this product ensures that you will find it easy-to-go without facing any kind of leak. It is because the compressor is leak-tested.

If you are worried about the replacement of your original AC compressor, then this product can make you feel eased. The fact is that this compressor is GM-recommended.

The compressor fits almost all GM vehicles. So, there is nothing to worry about the fitting of the compressor. The function of it is also great. So, it can be said that the product is highly reliable for any kind of vehicle. In addition, the compressor is renowned for its longevity.

Key Features of the Product:

• 100 percent visual
• Leak-tested
• GM-recommended
• Clutch Assembly
• Pre-filled with oil

Check Latest Price

Bottom Line:
ACDelco Air Compressor and Clutch Assembly is a great product from all points of view. It is a reliable, durable, and well-designed product. You will hardly find this type of product in the market. So, you can approach the product without any hesitation.

3. UAC CO 10736C | A Great Compressor for Truck, Suv and Car

Well, this is another great item in the arena of AC Compressors. This item is suitable for all kinds of vehicles such as Suv, Truck, and Car. So, whatever vehicle you have, you can go for the compressor without a second thought.

The product, however, comes in brand-new condition with the facility of OE replacement. In case of fit, the manufacturer of the product ensures you a hundred percent fit. That is to say, you have nothing to worry about the fitting of the compressor with your vehicle.

It is a product that is tested with ISO/TS 16949 to meet quality as well as OEM specifications. It is a piston compressor, which runs at 12 volts of power.

And you will get all the necessary components with the product. The components are lubricated as well.

All the units of the product are tested on the ground of pressure so that it can make sure there is no leak. In fact, if a unit has leaks, it will put a negative impact on the minds of customers.

However, if you are concerned about the warranty of the product, it will make you satisfied with a satisfactory warranty.

Key Features of the Product:

• OE replacement
• Tested with ISO/TS 16949
• Pressure tested
• Guaranteed fit
• Satisfactory warranty

Check Latest Price

Bottom Line:
From the discussion given above, we can come to the point that UAC CO AC Compressor for Truck, Suv, & Car is an all-in-one product in the arena of AC Compressors. The quality does not lag behind any other top compressors. So, it will be a good decision if you choose this product for your vehicle.

4. New AC Compressor Kit – An Effective Kit for Honda CR-V and Si Coupe

If you are the owner of a Honda CR-V 2007-2015 or Honda Si Coupe 2010-2014, then this kit is the best choice for you. In fact, you will not find a greater alternative to this kit in the market. It is because the kit is replete with a bunch of outstanding facilities.

The product comes with a clutch and dryer filter. But you will miss oil in the package. That is to say, you need to buy oil additionally in case you intend to get the kit for your vehicle. But it is not a big deal. You can buy oil at a reasonable price from the market.

If you are a newbie, you will find it difficult to install in your car. The reason is that the product does not come with proper instructions.

That is why you have to get in touch with a professional mechanic while installing the compressor in your car.

The performance of the compressor is extraordinary. You will find it blowing nicely to make the air cold enough to satisfy you. In fact, the product is a great OEM replacement.

Key Features of the Product:

• Outstanding OEM replacement
• Equipped with necessary parts
• Fits well
• High-quality materials

Check Latest Price

Bottom Line:
From the above discussion, we can come to the point that the product is the best AC compressor kit in the market. The only flaw of the product is that you will get the necessary instructions. So, if you are not an expert, you might face some problems while installing the compressor.

5. RYC AC Compressor and Clutch – A Great Package for Your Vehicle

RYC AC Compressor and Clutch is another great package for AC Compressor. The kit usually fits Volkswagen and Audi. But you should be frustrated if you have another brand. It may fit your brand as well. So, check compatibility before buying the product.

It is, however, a high-quality product in the arena of AC Compressors. All the materials of the product are of premium quality indeed.

Like all other products of the company, this product comes with pre-filled oil. And the amount of oil is accurate.

In the case of the fitting, you have nothing to worry about the product. It fits various models of different brands. However, you should not buy the product directly. Before placing an order, make sure your car compatible with the product using the garage of Amazon.

One of the most outstanding features of the product is that it will relieve you of annoying noises. Besides, the product is tested properly to make sure there is no leak. It is also satisfactory regarding durability.

Key Features of the Product:

• Premium quality materials
• pre-filled with oil
• Guaranteed fit
• Tested for leaks
• Tested for noise

Check Price on Amazon

Bottom Line:
You will hardly find a great product like this in the world AC compressors. In fact, it may be considered as the best AC compressor and AC clutch from different aspects. So, if you are in need of an AC compressor for your vehicle, you can try the product without any worry.

6. Delphi CS0120 – An Effective and Trustworthy AC Compressor

Delphi CS0120 is another name of a trustworthy AC compressor. The product is great-to-go from different aspects. As a result, Delphi Air Conditioning Compressor is a highly successful product in the market.

The compressor is an outstanding OE replacement. You will get OE connectors, sealing washers, and clutch assemblies with the product. In other words, the product offers you all the necessary equipment, which will save both your money and time.

The type of compressor is 16.16, and it is a typical kind of compressor. In the case of performance, the compressor will make you fall in love with it since it blows extraordinarily.

The product is well-tested to make sure there is no flaw. As a result, you will find a leak-free, high-quality compressor when you buy the product for your vehicle.

If you are concerned about the noises, then this product will make you feel relaxed and comfortable as well.

Key Features of the Product:

• Effective OE replacement
• OE Connectors
• Sealing washers
• Clutch Assemblies
• High-quality coil

Check Latest Price

Bottom Line:
Delphi CS0120 comes with various facilities. Among them, OE connectors give the most convenience. The connectors help you save your time and money. The most fortunate thing is that the compressor will not make you fall into any major problem while using it.

7. BuyAutoParts 60-80319RK – AC Compressor W/A/C Repair Kit

This is another super product in the field of AC compressors. It basically works with rear AC controls. The models that are compatible with the product are Chevy, Suburban, Yukon, Avalanche, Tahoe, Escalade, GMC, and Cadillac.

The fit is guaranteed when you use the product in one of the mentioned models. So, if you have another model, you should not approach to buying the kit. However, the installation is comparatively easy when you have one of the mentioned models.

It is a premium quality compressor, which comes with a clutch, accumulator, expansion device, seal kit, and PAG oil. In the case of quality, the product does not compromise.

In fact, it is an ISO/TS 16949 quality product. That is to say, it is properly tested to meet OEM specifications.

Another significant feature of the product is that it is a durable compressor. Once you install the compressor into your vehicle, you don’t have to worry about it for a long time. Moreover, the product comes with a satisfactory warranty.

Key Features of the Product:

• ISO/TS 16949 quality
• Rear AC controls
• OEM replacement
• Comes with clutch
• New accumulator

Check Latest Price

Bottom Line:
Though the product does not offer you an expansion valve, it has all the other necessary items. The quality of the product is great and so is its performance. When you consider the price of the product, it will not dishearten you either.

8. Universal AC Kit 4037 – UAC Branded Compressor Kit

While searching for a good AC compressor for your car, you might get in touch with Universal AC Kit 4037. The product has a great name and fame in the industry. It offers all the facilities that you need to replace your AC compressor.

The product, Universal AC Compressor, and Component Kit is of ISO/TS 16949 standard. It can easily meet OEM specifications; it may even exceed OEM specifications. So, there is no denying the fact that the kit ensures high-quality.

The kit, however, includes compressor, clutch, expansion device, pag oil, drier, seal kit, and shipping oil. And all the components of the product are expected of high-quality.

There is nothing to worry about the ability of the quality fit of the compressor. The manufacturer ensures you a guaranteed fit.

Even the installation of the compressor will not cost the excretion of your sweats as the installation process of the compressor is much easier than most other compressors.

Key Features of the Product:

• Guaranteed fit
• ISO/TS 16949
• A handy clutch
• Seal kit
• Drier
• Expansion device & pag oil

Check Latest Price

Bottom Line:
Universal AC Kit 4037 is, by and large, one of the greatest compressor kits found in the market. It does not have any flaw although it offers a bunch of extraordinary facilities. So, if you are in search of an AC compressor kit, you can choose the product without any hesitation.

9. Denso 471-1407 – Best AC Compressor with Clutch

Denso 471-1407 is, in our opinion, another great product in the arena of AC compressors. For its universal facilities, you may even consider it as the best car AC compressor with clutch. So, you can guess that the product has dominating power in the industry.

Denso is, in fact, one of the giant companies in the field. All of its products are of top-notch quality. And Denso 471-1407 is no exception. It is so great that it can easily meet the expectations of buyers.

Regarding performance, the product does not raise any question. When you install the compressor into your car, you will be bound to enjoy splendid blows from your AC. In other words, you will feel that you are lying under icebergs.

As the title of the product suggests, the product comes with a clutch. So, you have nothing to worry about. You can easily finish your work with the help of the clutch.

However, if you expect to get your compressor oiled, you will be disheartened to know that the product does not come with pre-filled oil.

Key Features of the Product:

• Premium quality compressor
• Exact OEM replacement
• Cold air
• Top-notch quality materials

Check Latest Price

Bottom Line:
Though the compressor does not come with pre-filled oil, it has all the other facilities that you need at the time of installing. In fact, Universal AC Kit 4037 is one of the most effective products in the arena of AC compressors. So, you can give it a try if you are in need of a car AC compressor.

10. Delphi CS20010 – One of the Most Outstanding AC Compressors

Though we have put the product at the bottom of our list, it is not a typical compressor. The product has all the qualities to be the best compressor.

It is, in fact, being more and more popular day by day. And we hope that one day it will be a giant product in the industry of car AC compressors.

The product is a great OEM replacement. In general, it comes with a clutch and pulley. It also includes OE connectors, sealing washers, and clutch assemblies. The components help you save you both your time and money.

It is a 15.26 type of compressor, which is undeniably a great type. However, the installation process of the compressor is very much easy. The OE connectors help you install the compressor without facing splice wires.

If you are worried about distracting noises, you will be glad to know that the compressor runs without making even a slight noise. Moreover, the compressor is poignantly tested so that it does not contain any leak. So, you will enjoy a leak-free compressor when you buy the product.

Key Features of the Product:

• Best OEM replacement
• Comes with clutch
• Comes with pulley
• OE connectors
• Leak-free

Check Latest Price

Bottom Line:
In the end, we can come to the point that Delphi CS20010 Air Condition Compressor deserves to be widely bought by customers. It has mind-blowing from different points of view, and it does not have any major flaws. Give it a try if you want to get an outstanding compressor.

10 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Car AC Compressors

When you decide to buy a brand-new AC compressor for your car, you might have some questions in your mind. To let you know the proper answer, we have added this segment to our main article.

In this segment, we have included 10 questions that are widely asked by potential buyers of car AC compressors. We hope that you will get your answers from these questions. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s check out the questions!

Q1. When should I replace the AC compressor of my car?
Answer: Well, this is one of the most frequent questions asked by car owners. Generally, you will get to hear some squeaks or squeals when there prevails an issue in the AC compressor of your car. Sometimes, you might not receive any audible signs even if your compressor has some issues. In this case, you need to get in touch with an expert mechanic. A professional will help you inspect some other issues of your air conditioner. So, try to inspect your AC compressor with the help of a professional whenever you experience some unusual issues.

Q2. How long does an AC compressor last?
Answer: Though it is silly to expect a compressor to last forever, it lasts for a long time. In general, you can expect your compressor to last as long as your vehicle lasts. But most of the AC compressors get damaged after a certain period. This happens because of the wearing of the bearings, long-term corrosion, and seal leaks. A faulty pulley can also cause issues in your compressor.

Q3. Can I repair the compressor if there is an issue?
Answer: Unfortunately, you do not have an opportunity to repair the AC compressor of your car. If the compressor is damaged, you have to replace it with another one. Some people tend to replace their compressors with used ones. But it is a wrong decision to buy used compressors. It is because you will experience some issues with your replaced compressor any time when you have a used compressor. So, you should buy a brand-new compressor instead of a used one.

Q4. Can I replace my compressor on my own?
Answer: Well, it depends. If you have previous experience, you will find it easy to replace the compressor on your own. But if you are a complete newbie, it will be a cumbersome task for you. However, you can still approach replacing your compressor with the help of the instructions coming with the product. You can also take help from YouTube. There is a bunch of videos on the site about car AC compressors.

Q5. How much does it cost to buy a brand-new AC compressor?
Answer: The cost of a car AC compressor depends on what type of car you have. To relieve you of confusion, a car AC does not cost you a huge amount of money. You can get a compressor at $200-$500. Remember, if you buy a kit of AC compressor, it will cost you some additional bucks. On the other hand, you need to spend a little amount of money if you buy only the compressor. So, depending on your needs, you have to choose either a compressor or a compressor kit.

Q6. What is the best car AC compressor?
Answer: Well, this is a typical question. But there is no direct answer to the question. Different people will give you different answers. By the way, if you want to get the best compressor for your car AC, you need to look into different points, which you will get in the review section of the article. In our opinion, all the compressors listed above are great. So, try to find out which would be best for you.

Q7. Is there a variety of AC compressors?
Answer: Yes, there is a variety of car AC compressors. There are 5 kinds of car AC compressors you will find in the market. The types include scroll, rotary, reciprocating, screw, and centrifugal. However, you have nothing to worry about the types of car AC compressors. You can choose any of the listed compressors without any hesitation.

Q8. Should I drive my car with a faulty compressor?
Answer: If you cannot afford to buy a brand-new compressor for your car, you might have this question in your mind. To answer the question, it will not put any bad effect on your car if you drive with a faulty compressor. You can drive as long as you do not need cold air inside your car. In this case, you might get in touch with some squeals when the AC is turned on.

Q9. Why does an AC compressor fail to work?
Answer: There might be many reasons for this problem. To give you an idea, there are eight probable reasons. They are as follows: dirty coils, inadequate lubricant, over refrigerants, contaminants, the low charge of refrigerant, faulty suction lines, and electrical problems. So, you must pay heed to these factors if you want to keep your compressor good for a long time.

Q10. Should I buy a compressor kit?
Answer: It depends on your needs. If you have issues with only your compressor, then you do not have to buy a kit. On the other hand, if you want to get all the parts to replace your AC compressor, then you must buy a compressor kit. A compressor kit usually includes all the necessary parts that you need at the time of replacing your car AC compressor.

Wrap-up:

An air conditioner is a part and parcel of a car. It gives us relaxation and comfort when we are inside our cars. But a damaged AC compressor can snatch our relaxation. It is because when the compressor is damaged, the air conditioner stops emerging cold air. And we do not expect to pass our time in a hot environment.

So, whenever your compressor stops working, you need to replace it as soon as possible. But the frustrating thing is that you will find it difficult to get the best car AC compressor.

In this case, we recommend you to choose one of the listed compressors. For your kind information, all of the compressors that are listed above are of top-notch quality. So, your decision will be praiseworthy if you choose one of the compressors. Thanks a lot to stay with Electorstrust.