For about $50, you can buy an AC recharge kit for your vehicle. Marketed as easy to use, these products include additives to seal leaks. Some kits also have a gauge for “accurate” recharging and promise to eliminate moisture. But, is using one of these recharge car AC kits safe to use?
How To Tell You Need To Recharge Car AC
Before you buy a recharge kit, you need to make sure your car’s AC system has low refrigerant. Sometimes, your air conditioning system won’t work because of a bad sensor, compressor, or some other failing component. Usually, you can tell you need to recharge or add refrigerant by the following signs:
- Warm air coming from your vents
- Blinking AC light
- AC clutch won’t engage
- Odor coming from vents
Since your car’s AC is a closed system, low refrigerant usually occurs if you have a leak somewhere. Often, leaks are very tiny and hard to spot. Furthermore, refrigerant is colorless and odorless. Thus, it can be difficult to find a leak unless you have the proper equipment.
Professional Vs. DIY Recharge Car AC
A malfunctioning AC system will also affect your front windshield defogger. Yet, adding more refrigerant with a leak will release harmful chemicals into the air. Additionally, delaying servicing often leads to more damage.
With so many manufacturers selling DIY recharging kits, you may be wondering why you should avoid them. Below, we list some common reasons for choosing a professional instead:
1. Automobiles Need A Different Refrigerant Based On The Model Year
Early air conditioning systems used Freon or R12 as the refrigerant. When scientists discovered its negative effect on the ozone layer, automobile manufacturers switched to R123a. Although a kinder substance to the environment, R123a is a greenhouse gas with potentially high global warming aspects. Today, modern cars use R1234yf.
Do you know which refrigerant your vehicle’s AC system needs? Putting in the wrong refrigerant can cause extensive damage to your system.
2. DIY Kits Can’t Fix Big Leaks
When recharging your system, you can choose from a can of refrigerant or one with additives to plug up leaks. While an all-in-one solution can appear very appealing, these products can only seal small leaks. Additionally, these products have the potential to clog your entire system.
3. You Need To Remove Old Refrigerant
Simply adding new refrigerant to your system when it’s not working can allow corrosion to continue. Whenever you have a leak in your car’s air conditioning, moisture enters the system. Water, combined with any type of refrigerant forms an acid that can corrode components.
Then as refrigerant flows, it’ll pick up pieces of rust and other contaminants from corroding components. These pieces can restrict the flow of the refrigerant shortening the life of your parts.
4. Automakers Fill AC System By Weight Not Pressure
Automakers and professional auto technicians fill air conditioning systems by weight to achieve the correct amount of refrigerant. However, DIY kits use pressure. This difference can lead to overfilling and underfilling your system. Both can damage components.
5. Handling Refrigerant Can Be Dangerous
Any type of refrigerant is a dangerous substance requiring the use of gloves and safety goggles. For example, accidentally inhaling this chemical compound may induce respiratory distress, vomiting, or diarrhea. Additionally, skin or eye contact with refrigerant can cause frostbite or permanent eye damage.
The Best Place To Bring Your Car For AC Recharge And Repair
Some car owners think only a dealership can provide quality service. However, the experienced team at Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville, can fix your problem, and usually for less money. For over 25 years, we have been servicing domestic and foreign vehicles at competitive prices. Just read what some of our customers have to say about us:
Simply awesome!! -Melina Mimiaga
Awesome….have been going here for over 15 years….incredible staff that know your very name every time. Highly recommend it!!! – Matt Asbury
Very good service and friendly staff, have used them since 2000. – Terry Greene
FAQs About Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville
Our staff wants to help you make the best possible choices to maintain your vehicle. If you still have questions about recharging your AC, call us at 336-993-7697. Below, we answer a few frequently asked questions about our repair shop and services.
How Much Will It Cost To Recharge My Car’s AC?
Without knowing why your car’s AC system isn’t working properly, we can’t quote a generalized price. You may have several leaks or you may need a new compressor. However, we always give our customers a detailed estimate before we make repairs.
Where Are You Located And Hours Of Operation?
We’re right off of Business 40 at 725 Hwy 66 South Kernersville. Our hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. On Saturday, we’re open 7:30 – 4:30 pm. While we close our service shop on Sunday, our Turbo Car Wash is open from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
What Type Of Automobile Repairs Can You Do?
Our experienced ASE-certified technicians can perform over 30 maintenance tasks and repairs:
- Wheel alignments
- Oil changes
- State inspections
- Transmissions
- Fuel systems
- Tires
- Brakes
- Cooling system
- Electrical diagnostics
- Car wash/detailing
- And more!
Don’t waste your money on a recharge car AC kit! Bring your vehicle to the automotive experts at Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville. Call us at 336-993-7697 or use our convenient online form to make an appointment. We’ll have you back in cool comfort quickly.
