Air Conditioning
Not just for keeping the inside of your car cool during the summer, your car’s air conditioning helps to improve the air quality inside your vehicle. Manufacturers recommend carrying out an air conditioning servicing every two years to keep it working at optimum level.
Why does my air conditioning need to be regassed
Manufacturers recommend that your air con is recharged every 2 years. As your car
or van air conditioner is not checked as part of your MOT test and regassing is
not typically included in your Service, it is important to make sure that you
include recharging as part of your regular vehicle maintenance routine.
If your AC is blowing out warm air or only works intermittently, an AC recharge
can bring back cold air when you need it most on hot days and can also improve
your fuel efficiency as there is less strain on the system and engine.
Unpleasant smells coming from the air vents also suggest that your air con needs
some attention.
Something you might not know about air conditioning
Air conditioning doesn’t just provide in-car comfort during the hot summer months; it can also be used in winter to demist your windscreen. Air con systems create dry warm air rather than the normal humid air from outside which can clear your windscreen much more quickly than your regular blowers.
What is Air Conditioning Regassing?
Air-con regassing is the process of removing the old refrigerant gas from your air conditioning system and replacing it with new refrigerant, so your air con can run cold again. It should be the first thing you explore if your air-con system isn’t blowing as cold as it should. The process should take a specialist no longer than an hour to do.
Can I regas my air conditioning system myself?
You can buy air-con regas kits if you’d like to attempt the job yourself, but we
wouldn’t advise it. They’re almost as expensive as paying a specialist to do the
job and if anything goes wrong, you may be left with a very expensive repair
bill.
Specialists like ourselves at DP Garage will also have a better idea of how to
check for leaks and other problems with the air-con system, there are also
safety factors to be considered, too. If the refrigerant gas comes into contact
with your skin or eyes, it could cause painful freeze burns.
Can I regas my air conditioning system myself?
You can buy air-con regas kits if you’d like to attempt the job yourself, but we wouldn’t advise it. They’re almost as expensive as paying a specialist to do the job and if anything goes wrong, you may be left with a very expensive repair bill.
How often should I have my air conditioning regassed?
Most manufacturers recommend you have your air conditioning services / regassed
every two years, but many people often wait till it is not blowing cold air.
Although this is unlikely to cause any harm, bear in mind that poorly
functioning air conditioning will make it more difficult to demist the windows
in the winter and could lead to your engine having to work harder which will use
more fuel, so it is not worth putting of having your air conditioning serviced.