Please explain "AC condensor corrosion /road hazard damage"
August 17, 2023 4:56 AM Subscribe
A car I am thinking of buying from Carvana has had this issue "fixed or replaced:"
"AC condensor corrosion /road hazard damage"
1. What is this, especially "road hazard damage" and
2. If this item on a car has been fixed or replaced, vs. simply 'passed" is it typically going to be reliable?
1. What is this, especially "road hazard damage" and
2. If this item on a car has been fixed or replaced, vs. simply 'passed" is it typically going to be reliable?
Best answer: The AC condenser is part of the air conditioning system, and it sounds like it either rusted (corrosion) or was hit with a rock or something (road hazard). Either way, it had a hole, which meant that the AC wouldn't work because the coolant was leaking out.
They can't really be repaired, so it was most probably replaced, in which case it's as good as new.
More detail on condensers from a random Canadian auto repair shop's website.
posted by papayaninja at 5:45 AM on August 17, 2023 [1 favorite]
They can't really be repaired, so it was most probably replaced, in which case it's as good as new.
More detail on condensers from a random Canadian auto repair shop's website.
posted by papayaninja at 5:45 AM on August 17, 2023 [1 favorite]
Best answer: There may be longer term unreliability in other parts due to the condenser damage. Operating a compressor without proper pressure and seals can damage it, and corrosion can spread. You might end up having to replace other, more expensive parts sooner than otherwise. It’s not a red flag, but maybe a yellow flag?
posted by doomsey at 7:15 AM on August 17, 2023
posted by doomsey at 7:15 AM on August 17, 2023
Best answer: The condenser sits infront of the radiator. It is very common for these to sustain rock damage leading to punctures. Reliability going forward will wholly depend on duration it was open and how well the repair was cleaned/purged before new refrigerant was added.
posted by Mitheral at 9:31 AM on August 17, 2023
posted by Mitheral at 9:31 AM on August 17, 2023
Response by poster: Thanks everyone. Not buying this car. Resolved!
posted by ojocaliente at 10:38 AM on August 17, 2023
posted by ojocaliente at 10:38 AM on August 17, 2023
This thread is closed to new comments.
Road hazard damage is what it says, a hazard in the road (debris, rocks, truck tire pieces, etc) caused damage to the vehicle or component as someone drove over, got hit by it flying, etc., it happens.
Both fixed & passed should mean they are in good working order, and equivalent unless its a wear part. A replacement wear part would last longer than an existing passed part because its at 100%. (Tires, brakes, etc).
posted by TheAdamist at 5:10 AM on August 17, 2023