Looking for a mechanic's advice.

[momof4blessings]

I have a 98 Dodge Grand Caravan. I was having problems with my ac last summer and was told it was the compressor and that running the ac could cause more damage to my van. We didn't have the money so it didn't get fixed. Now that it is winter time I will be having the van on heat when using the defrost. I was wondering if doing this uses the compressor. I was told that some vehicles use the compressor when on heat and some don't. I am trying to find out if it would be ok to use the defrost without causing problems to my van. I have the money now to fix it but would rather not because I just don't really have the time before we leave for our vacation. Can anyone help me?

[foggierbard9]

All it will do is make the compressor worse, if your van uses the compressor for defrost(not exactly sure which vehicles use the compressor and which dont). If you dont have the time to fix it now, it won't hurt anything else in the van for you to wait to fix it until you get back from vacation.

[MaryMary]

Usually older cars do not use compressor for heating, it's done by engine cooling system,
compressor is not a part of engine system.

I'd take your car to another shop for 2-nd opinion, have a feeling this mechanic is trying to extort unnecessary repairs from you. Well, you might need to fix your AC, but AC is not vital to have the car running.