If your car air conditioning is not as cold as it used to be, or takes much longer than it used to before blowing cold air, it is likely low on refrigerant. This is completely normal and does not indicate a fault.
Why AC loses refrigerant
Air conditioning systems are not perfectly sealed. They lose a small amount of refrigerant gas through microscopic permeation in the hoses and seals over time. Most cars lose enough refrigerant to noticeably affect cooling performance after around 2 to 3 years.
What a re-gas involves
A re-gas uses specialist equipment to evacuate any remaining refrigerant from the system, measure how much was recovered, and recharge the system with the correct amount of new refrigerant. The process takes around 30 to 45 minutes. Modern AC machines also add a small amount of UV dye and lubricant oil to the system as part of the process.
R134a vs R1234yf refrigerant
Cars registered before around 2017 typically use R134a refrigerant. Cars registered after 2017 typically use R1234yf, which is more expensive and requires different equipment. When booking a re-gas, it helps to know your registration year so we can confirm the correct refrigerant for your vehicle. Our air conditioning re-gas starts from £69 + VAT.
When re-gas alone is not the answer
If the system loses its charge again within a few weeks of a re-gas, there is a leak somewhere. Common leak points include the condenser (at the front of the car behind the grille, vulnerable to stone damage), the compressor seals, the hoses, and the evaporator (inside the dashboard). Leaks can be traced using the UV dye added during a re-gas, viewed under an ultraviolet lamp.
To book an AC re-gas at Steins Garage, call 0131 554 3423 or book online.