Does Your Car Shake When The Auto A/C Is On?

If your vehicle is shaking when the auto A/C is turned on, this is not normal and should be investigated. There are a number of reasons why this phenomenon occurs, and getting to the bottom of it will resolve the issue before it becomes worse. First it is important to understand the basic engine components and how they function with the A/C system.

The Role Of The Compressor

The compressor is best thought of as a miniature engine, one that puts a great deal of stress on the main engine. As such, whenever the vehicle is turned on, a number of things are triggered, like the control motor air, so the compressor although idle can be elevated through the compensation of additional drag. If you notice the car shaking however, it means that this process could have become disrupted and therefore inaccurate.

Excessive drag often results from vibrating while idle, and is a symptom of engine stalling. In a vehicle that uses power steering, too much drag while the A/C is running could lead to more engine stalling and greater shaking, and the issue might also be caused by motor mounts which are broken.

Elevated Pressure

The A/C compressor creates significant engine strain and should this pressure reach a level higher than 400 PSI, the result could be vehicular vibrations. Should the pressure continue rising, multiple engine components will wear out prematurely. Elevated pressure might also be the result of the cooling fan or blockage within the air conditioning. Unless you’re familiar with your A/C and how to perform maintenance on it, it is best to take it to a technician.

Worn Out Transmission Mount Or Engine

The car mounts undergo a lot of strain whenever the air conditioning is activated. These mounts are important since they hold the transmission in place (along with the engine) which is designed to maintain the correct suspension angle. The mounts are also responsible for organizing hoses and wiring, keeping them away from noise or vibrations in the environment. Therefore, any problem with the mounts will cause vibrations and shaking. If the mount breaks completely, the shaking may be accompanied by noise, particularly if the A/C compressor kit produces more engine pressure. Therefore, if you notice the vehicle shaking, one of the first things you should inspect are the mounts.

Vehicular vibrations or shaking is annoying to drivers, since most of them realize that it signifies some problem with the vehicle that money, time and effort will require to resolve. A lot of drivers make the mistake of thinking the issue will resolve itself, or they can put off addressing it until a more convenient time. However, it is critical to get to the bottom of the problem as soon as possible, because issues like this when left unresolved tend to go from bad to worse. Fixing the problem while it is minor will often be more cost effective than allowing it to metastasize into something more serious.