car’s AC system
A car’s air conditioning system loses refrigerant over time through seals, hoses, and other components. This is why it’s important to have your AC system recharged regularly so that the refrigerant gas can replace what has been lost. However, if you’re not careful with how much refrigerant you add to your system when you refill it, you could damage the compressor or other air conditioning parts by overfilling it. This is why it’s a good idea to use an a/c car recharge kit that comes with a pressure gauge so that you can avoid overfilling your AC system.
The kits also come with a high-quality vacuum pump, a set of pressure gauges, and three 4-foot long hoses for easier access to hard-to-reach areas of your vehicle’s A/C system. Unlike many DIY recharge kits, these top-of-the-line products are equipped with a coupler and pressure valve to ensure you’re not adding refrigerant to your system at a pressure higher than the one specified by your vehicle manufacturer. If you do, it can cause the compressor to develop a leak or even rupture the evaporator coil.
Another advantage of using a professional auto shop to perform your car ac recharge kit is that they can inspect your system for signs of a major leak, such as greasy residue on air conditioning connections or mechanisms and visible leaking fluids on the ground. A major leak can not only cause your vehicle to stop cooling, but it can lead to permanent system damage from the leaking refrigerant and oil that’s seeping into other components.
Can I recharge my car’s AC system if it’s been damaged in an accident?
In addition, a professional auto shop will evacuate the air conditioning system before performing a recharge and will use a special tool to check the a/c compressor for any visible problems such as cracks, dents, or corroded components. This can save you a lot of money in the long run as a faulty compressor or condenser can be extremely expensive to replace.
You may be thinking that you can just top off your own refrigerant at home by using a DIY recharge kit, but this is a bad idea. Many top-up cans are not the same quality as the refrigerant used in your car’s AC system. In fact, some of them can even have moisture or oil mixed in with the new refrigerant. This can cause the entire system to fail or create further problems.
The best thing to do is to invest in a high-quality recharge kit and follow the guidelines that come with it. Be sure to read the recommended pressures for your particular system (there should be a chart on the can or online). If you do this, you’ll never have to worry about overfilling or damaging your AC system. And, if you’re still not convinced, you can always ask a trusted friend or take your vehicle to a professional mechanic for a seasonal inspection and A/C recharge. It’s an investment in your vehicle that will save you a lot of money in the longer run!