Originally Posted by pizzaguy

GG,

What does this have to do with our cars? YOU sure don't know OUR compressor type - the Crossfire uses a conventional clutch/compressor system.
For this very reason, I engage the A/C clutch at least twice a month, just to keep the pump lubricated, as I do not believe ours' engages automatically from time to time, like many did in the past.
(My Ford Van would engage the A/c clutch for maybe 5 seconds every so often, to lube the pump.)



As to pre-season inspections - I sincerely believe that most "annual maintenance" on auto A/C systems is WHY they fail. I NEVER have my system 'serviced' and have had many cars/vans with A/C systems that lasted past 200,000 miles.
I learned, over forty years ago, while working in an A/C manufacturing plant, how to keep A/C systems happy and healthy, and 'recharging' them was NOT on the list. The variable stroke compressors are, indeed, a different animal. But the conventional systems (like in our cars) will last longer if you:

1) NEVER close any vents. The system is designed to move a certain amount of heat. Closing vents limits air flow, do not do that.
2) Run the fan at least at 75% of full speed at all times. Again, the system is designed to move a certain abount of heat.
If you dno't like the wind blowing on you, direct the air away from you. If it is too cold, DO NOT turn the fan speed down, add some heat with the temperature controls.
3) The day you bring the car home, put a plastic or fiber (not metal) bug screen ahead of the condenser, maybe 2-4 inches ahead. This will stop bugs, they will die, dry out, and fall to the ground - and not pack into the condenser or radiator, which will limit needed air flow.

The newer systems that use a variable stroke don't really need these measures, not as much anyway, as the system has sophisticated monitoring and controls to address issues of low air flow. But our cars at not that advanced, our A/C is very basic.