Do I need the AC Compressor?

[Martynt74]

My sons washer sprays weren’t working. Looks like the fuse has gone so I tested it by swapping the fuse with the AC compressor fuse which fixed it.

Given the current weather I figured it was more important to have working wipers.

However I’m now wondering whether the ac compressor might have other functions beyond just cooling the cabin. Especially after my son pointed out his car doesn’t have A/C!

 

[Phemo]

Could be that the fuse is there in the slot anyway. My car has a bunch of fuses slotted in for extras that it doesn't even have and when inspecting the rear of the fuse box, nothing is even connected.

If everything is ok I wouldn't worry too much, although I'd probably get hold of another fuse to re-populate that slot. Shouldn't be too difficult to get hold of one.

 

[Martynt74]

Cheers.

The plan is definitely to get a replacement so this is only a short term solution. Just wasn’t sure if the schedule compressor Gad you ther functions.

 

[Diddums]

Any petrol station will sell those fuses.

 

[Chris Wilson]

Air con needs running occasionally for the compressor to circulate the oil, but other than very long term inactivity potentially causing issues you can just deactivate it electrically (fuse) or mechanically (take the drive belt off it isn't driving anything else). The latter situation will be unusual though, with singular "serpentine" belts so common, that DO drive most everything needing rotation.

 

[Phemo]

He says the car doesn't even have AC though so it shouldn't even have a compressor. That's why I was thinking the fuse could just be populated despite the car not having it available in the first place.