How to Regas Your Car’s Air Conditioning System

How to Regas Your Car’s Air Conditioning System

One thing about your car’s air conditioning system is that it requires constant maintenance. Drivers all around the world notice that their air conditioning troubles them just after the winter season. This is because they have not been used and maintained. Small leaks or cracked seals mean that your car air conditioning system is not ready when the hot season comes along. You can easily regas your car’s aircon system. All you need is proper eye protection, a recharging kit, refrigerant and some basic level of practical knowledge and now most importantly, the relevant certification to handle refrigerant, otherwise it’s illegal to do it yourself.

A kit with pressure gauge can make car aircon regas easier. However, you must be aware that it would be better, and probably cheaper if a professional, such as ourselves at Cool Car do this job. Here are some simple steps to recharge your car’s air conditioning:

Check if there is any refrigerant left

A charging hose is fitted to the low pressure port near the accumulator. This will help you determine the level of refrigerant. If your system is completely discharged, it may have have a leak. The source of the leak has to be found and repaired otherwise recharging will not produce the desired results and you’ll end up paying for refrigerant that will soon leak away again. It’s also illegal to regas a car that you know will leak refrigerant.

Find out the leaks

Leaks hinder the performance of your car’s air conditioning systems. If you recharge with a significant leak, it will simply waste time. The best way to find any leak is to either use a refrigerant sniffer, or if the A/C UV dye in it, shine a UV light all around the system looking for a yellow glow. Thats the leak. Usually on the condenser at the front of the car, so check there first.

Open the valve on the tapping fitting

Tap your refrigerant can by pinning it into the valve body. If this is not done properly, it will lead to tap puncturing which will release the refrigerant before it is properly sealed.

Release the refrigerant

Safely attach the tapping valve with the refrigerant can. After this, the refrigerant is released when the valve is opened. This takes almost two to five minutes. Be very careful not to overcharge. Use a reliable gauge to measure the pressure.

Evacuate the hose

When you hear the refrigerant filling the valve, slowly loosen the brass fitting that is connected to the hose. You have to be extremely careful here as any contact of refrigerant on bare skin will result in the freezing of skin tissue. Tighten the hose when the refrigerant has escaped.

Find the low pressure charging port

This is usually located on the larger tube near the accumulator. Ensure that there is no further leaking.

Ensure that the compressor is operating properly

Once charged, start the A/C and see if it’s working. Make sure the compressor is working.

Check if the air is cool enough

Your car air conditioning system should be blowing cold air once the refrigerant is recharged. If it is not then either the refrigerant was not sufficient or there is some other problem. In this case, it is highly recommended that you take professional help.

You may not be able to fix your car, but knowing it better surely helps. It gives you the feeling of being in charge when you drive it.

I know this is a very simplified guide, so if in doubt, give us a call or contact us here

Simon Parker

Director & Partner of Cool Car Limited. Owners of CoolCarAirCon.co.uk and AutoAirConParts.co.uk.