Air Con Regas: When Your Car AC Needs Attention
Car air conditioning systems gradually lose refrigerant over time – even if there's no obvious leak. If your AC isn't blowing as cold as it used to, or takes longer to cool the car, it probably needs a regas.
Signs Your AC Needs Servicing
- Not as cold: The most obvious sign – warm or lukewarm air instead of cold
- Takes ages to cool: Should get cold within a minute or two
- Musty smell: Indicates bacteria buildup in the evaporator – needs cleaning
- AC clutch cycling rapidly: The compressor clicking on and off frequently
- AC doesn't engage: May refuse to turn on if refrigerant is critically low
What Happens During a Regas?
The process involves:
- Recover old gas: The remaining refrigerant is safely extracted
- Vacuum test: The system is held under vacuum to check for leaks
- Recharge: Fresh refrigerant is added to the correct amount
- Add lubricant: Compressor oil keeps the system running smoothly
- Check operation: Verify the system is cooling correctly
How Often Should You Regas?
Most manufacturers recommend an AC service every 2-3 years. Even without apparent problems, preventative regas maintains cooling efficiency and protects the compressor.
Running the AC with low refrigerant can damage the compressor – which is far more expensive to replace than a simple regas.
Different Gas Types
Older cars use R134a refrigerant. Cars built since 2017 typically use R1234yf, which is more environmentally friendly but more expensive. We handle both types at our Cheddar workshop.
Use Your AC All Year Round
Running the air con occasionally during winter helps keep the system lubricated and seals in good condition. It also helps demist the windscreen quickly. Don't save the AC just for summer!
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