Many people drive cars and do not think about the important components that make a car run efficiently until something needs repairing. The air conditioner system is one of those parts of a car that many people depend on for comfort, but are not sure how to care for it. An air conditioner system in a vehicle works to remove the heat from the inside of the vehicle. A car's air conditioner system has many components. The AC compressor is an integral component of an automobile's air conditioning system, functioning to pressurize the Freon so that cool air travels through the air conditioner system.Replacing the AC CompressorSimilar to other parts on an automobile, the AC can stop functioning properly and need to be replaced. A primary sign that the AC compressor has stopped working is when the air conditioner system blows out warm air when the car is idle. Before replacing the AC compressor, you should check if the car has Freon, which works with the compressor to cool the air. The level of oil within a vehicle also affects the way the AC compressor functions. A vehicle with too much oil may cause the compressor to not work properly, while a car with not enough oil can result in the compressor not working at all. Replacing the AC compressor requires using special tools specifically designed for compressor parts. Allowing a professional mechanic to change your compressor gives you the best chance that the repairs will be done correctly.Price of the AC CompressorThe price of an AC compressor depends on the make and model of the vehicle, but the compressor is one of the most expensive parts to replace in the air conditioner system. To preserve your AC compressor for as long as possible, auto mechanics recommend that you run your AC compressor on a regular basis. Mechanics recommend you run your AC compressor at least 10 minutes a month during the cold season, if the heating and defrost system in your car does not use the compressor.