Please could anyone tell me if it is damaging to the air con compressor
to keep driving the car with the refrigerant lost.
There is a slow leak which I need to get repaired.

John T

As the freon leaks out the pressure in the system will drop to a point where the compressor will automatically cut off. So no, you won't do any damage to it.

Thanks for youre advice atikovi.

Running with low refridgerant will not properly circulate the lubricant. It won't destroy the compressor immediately, but it will increase the wear, perhaps terminally.