The first automaker to offer AC in their vehicles was Packard in 1940. Today, you cannot buy a car without it. Yet, just like other components in your car, your AC may need servicing. When you need a car AC recharge, bring your vehicle to Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
Reasons Why You Need A Professional To Perform A Car AC Recharge
Bloggers, YouTubers, and DIY kits make it seem possible to easily add refrigerant to your car’s AC system. However, this is a job only for professionals as we outline below:
1. It’s Easy To Overcharge Your System
Generally, your owner’s manual will tell you how much refrigerant your car’s system needs. However, you have no way to measure how much is in your AC. Thus, when you recharge your air conditioning, you can easily overcharge it.
With too much refrigerant in your system, your compressor will have to work harder to keep it flowing. In addition to putting a strain on this component, you’ll be drawing more power from your engine. Thus, your car may respond sluggishly and you’ll experience poor fuel economy.
2. You Can’t Mix Refrigerants
Depending on the age of your vehicle and the manufacturer, your system may use one of these refrigerants:
If you use the wrong type of refrigerant, you can cause severe damage to your car’s AC system. Moreover, recharging with the wrong refrigerant may make it impossible for professionals to service your system.
3. Recharging Won’t Fix Any Leaks
Your car’s air conditioning is a closed system. This means your car engine won’t consume any refrigerant. Furthermore, your vehicle’s AC can run for many years without recharging if you properly maintain it.
However, aging components are a problem for your car’s air conditioning system. For example, O-rings and gaskets, parts to create airtight seals, often deteriorate with age. Additionally, the hoses used to transport refrigerant throughout the system can become dry and brittle. Tiny cracks and holes can develop letting refrigerant escape.
Often, DIY kits claim to seal leaks. However, many of these products can clog other parts of your system causing more problems.
4. DIY Kits Work With Pressure Not Weight
Another problem is knowing how much refrigerant your system needs. Automakers specify refrigerant by weight, but DIY kits use pressure. Using a pressure gauge won’t fill your system accurately.
5. Professional Equipment
Additionally, a professional can test for leaks using professional equipment. Your mechanic can find every leak including those pinhole ones that are hard to detect.
Finally, old refrigerants may contain contaminants like water or air. Professional auto repair shops will safely remove old refrigerant and properly dispose of it before adding the new product. This ensures optimal performance from your vehicle’s air conditioning.
Required Car Air Conditioning Maintenance
Unfortunately, most car owners assume there’s no required maintenance for their car’s AC. However, you do have a few routine tasks to perform to keep your air conditioner running efficiently:
- Change your cabin air filter on schedule
- Inspect hoses and belts for wear and tear
- Run your AC for 10 minutes every time you drive including in the winter
Starting in 1989, automakers began including cabin air filters on some vehicles to keep pollutants from entering the car. Over time, these filters become clogged with dirt impeding airflow. This places an additional strain on your system as it struggles to cool your interior.
Moreover, you should regularly inspect your engine. A visual examination can help you spot problems early before the issue becomes a major repair.
Finally, refrigerant contains lubricants designed to keep seals from drying out. Running your AC year-round circulates these oils to condition seals and lubricate your compressor.
Car AC Recharge FAQs
Do you have questions as to whether your vehicle will benefit from a car AC recharge? Give us a call at 336-993-7697 and we’ll be happy to help you. Below, you’ll find some answers to a few of our most commonly asked questions.
What Does It Cost For An AC Recharge?
Generally, costs for an AC recharge range from $150-$300 because some refrigerants are more expensive than others. Moreover, you may need a repair to fix a leak which can add to your cost.
How Long Will An Automobile AC Recharge Take?
To properly service your car’s air conditioning system, a professional must first remove all the old refrigerant. If you have any leaks, your mechanic needs to repair these first before adding new refrigerant.
Often, leaks are very tiny making them nearly invisible. Furthermore, your refrigerant is an odorless and colorless chemical. Sometimes, you may even have more than one leak.
At Xpress Lube, quality repairs are our top priority. However. we understand how much you depend on your car and strive hard to get you back on the road quickly.
Can You Do An Oil Change While I’m There?
Yes! Plus, we’ll also perform a courtesy check, inspecting the following items:
- Engine air filter
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Automatic transmission fluid
- Coolant/antifreeze
Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville is a full-service auto shop. Our ASE-certified technicians have been maintaining and repairing automobiles for over 2 decades:
- Wheel alignments
- Brakes
- Cooling system
- Oil changes
- State inspections
- Tires
- Exhaust systems
- Fuel systems
- Electrical diagnostics
- Car wash
- And more!
Will a car AC recharge fix your problem? Let us take a look at your car and give you a competitive quote. Call us at 336-993-7697 to make an appointment.
