Glossary / Engine

compressor

42 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

The compressor is a key piece of the car’s air‑conditioning system. It squeezes the cooling fluid so it can move through the machine and make your car’s interior cool.

Technical Definition

In a car’s cooling system, the compressor is part of the air‑conditioning unit that compresses refrigerant gas to circulate it through the system, enabling the cabin to cool.

Hear It Discussed

"All they've got to do is just hang the compressor on the block, and they've got to put the condenser and the evaporator in it."
#2621: Worst Car of the Millenium The Best of Car Talk 10:10

"So if the compressor is not running, it's going to say... turn the light on. If it is running, but the car doesn't move..."
This Is America's Favorite Car Talk Show - Live Callers Getting Their Cars Fixed Under The Hood show 13:10

"And now I can look up my tire changer and now the compressor that BendPak gave me five years ago is, is back in use or is in use."
Goldberg at the Spring Dust Off car show in New York. Matt remembers Pete Chapouris. And some featured cars from the upcoming Mecum auction. CarCast 17:06