my car’s A/C system fix a refrigerant leak
Over time, the air conditioning in your car will deplete the refrigerant gas that makes it work. It takes a long time for this to happen, but eventually, every auto A/C system needs its refrigerant recharged. This is why you can find so many DIY A/C recharge kits for cars at your local auto parts store. While these kits are a convenient and inexpensive solution, they’re often not the best option. In fact, they can actually cause more harm than good.
When you recharge your air conditioner using a DIY kit, you’re putting a bunch of contaminants and a large amount of water into the closed system. The refrigerant also leaks into the atmosphere, which can have significant environmental consequences. In addition, the stop leak compound included in DIY kits will clog delicate components like your compressor and hoses, making it difficult for them to operate properly.
Most a/c recharge kit for car only refill your A/C with R134a refrigerant, while classic vehicles built before 1994 use R12 (also known as Freon). This type of refrigerant is no longer manufactured in the US because it has been linked to ozone depletion. The problem is that mixing different types of refrigerant can damage your system. Even worse, R12 can leak into the atmosphere when the system isn’t working.
Will recharging my car’s A/C system fix a refrigerant leak?
Another big issue with DIY kits is that they don’t measure the pressure of the refrigerant as it’s being added to your system. This can lead to overcharging, which can damage the compressor and other components. Most auto shops will refuse to work on a car that has been overcharged with a DIY kit.
The gauges provided by most A/C recharge kits aren’t accurate either. They’re designed to fit the quick-connect fitting at the end of your recharge hose, but it’s easy to mistakenly attach the gauge to the low-pressure port rather than the high-pressure port. This can cause the air conditioning to blow hot instead of cold and will require the help of a professional to fix.
Before beginning the recharge process, it’s also essential to inspect your car’s A/C system for any signs of damage or leaks. Look for obvious leaks around hose connections or the compressor, and if you suspect a leak, consider having it repaired by a professional before attempting to recharge the system. Adding refrigerant to a leaking system is only a temporary solution and will likely result in the refrigerant leaking out again over time.
What’s more, the gauges on most DIY kits only read on one side of the system. This can also be a serious issue as it’s easy to overcharge the system. This can cause the compressor to burn out and will also require the help of a professional to repair.
If you’re in need of an A/C recharge or have a broken air conditioning system, call the auto experts at Repair One. We offer years of experience in auto A/C repair and can restore your vehicle’s comfort. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.