Streetlife

Bramfield Motors 02088797025 units 32-34 The Swan Centre, St Martins Way SW17 OAR for all MOTs, servicing etc.

Hi Antola - I've never heard of regassing a car's air conditioning - is this something that has to be done regularly??

Sarah,

All airconditioning systems will loose pressure (Gas) over time. The Air Conditioning pump will then have to work harder and for longer to try to compensate. This is then an increased load on the engine and will increase fuel usage.

The dealers will now recommend a "service" of the A/C system every 2-4 years and Fords recommend the additional replacement of the receiver dryer (Like a filter) at the same time. The main items of the service are checking the pollen/cabin filter and a regas.

Unfortunatly, there is no way to know if the system has the correct ammount of gas in it without carring out a regassing procedure. The machine is attached to a bottle that sits on a scale. As the gas is pumped out into the bottle it is compressed. This then turns the gas into a liquid and the weight of the bottle increases. Each vehicle has a specific "weight" of R134A refrigerant that is needed for the system to work correctly and a measure of lubricating oil.

One of THE most common reasons for the A/C not  to work is because there is too little or no gas left in the car. If the A/C was working properly before the winter, then the lack of use will cause the seals to dry out and the gas will escape. It is vital that the system is used for at least 10 min once a month to keep the oil circulating.

Please note that is is now illegal to attempt to regas a system where you know that there is no gas (Ie no pressure) in the lines, a leak check with Nitrogen gas has to be carried out first.

Tony, thanks for your detailed response but where can I get it done?

This is fantastic info, tony - my cars 14 yrs old so I think will definitely need doing - at least now I know why my air con isn't very good!!!

Antoia,

As it just so happens, I am a partner in Carpenter Garage Tooting. (Expect a street life discount coupon for A/c regassing soon.......:-)

Sarah,

Are you sure your car has air conditioning?

Well you've been servicing it for 14 years!!!!!! Of COURSE it does!!!! Just about to ring you to check it out so looking forward to my regassing discount........

Reads like a script for a tv commercial... 

Springbok garage on totter down st sorted it for about £50. Thanks

Kwik Fit offers it in Garratt Lane - and probably other branches too for a fixed price.