Shelf Life of a Car AC Recharge Kit
Your car’s air conditioning system is critical to keep you cool on hot summer days. But, over time, the refrigerant gas that runs the system will leak out and you’ll need to get it recharged. A DIY ac car recharge kit claims to offer a quick, cheap and easy fix. While these kits may save you money over taking your car to a professional, they can be a big mistake that will cost you in the long run.
The problem is that most ac car recharge kit only refill the system and don’t plug any major leaks in the A/C system. A licensed mechanic will charge you around $150-$300 to fully service the A/C system. That includes a visual inspection of the system to see if there are any leaks. If there are, the mechanic will run fluorescent dye through the system to more easily find where the leak is coming from and can repair it to prevent more refrigerant from leaking out.
Another issue with the cheap recharge kits is that they only have a pressure gauge on one end of the hose. This means that it’s very easy to overcharge the system with refrigerant. Overcharging the system can lead to problems with the compressor and cause your air conditioner to blow warm instead of cold. This will require the services of a licensed mechanic to fix, and will also void any warranty on your vehicle.
What’s the Shelf Life of a Car AC Recharge Kit?
You’ll also have to be careful which type of refrigerant you choose. The majority of refrigerant that comes in a recharge kit is R-134a, but many older vehicles still use the more ozone depleting R-12. These older vehicles will need to be converted over to use the newer, more environmentally friendly R1234yf refrigerant. Most auto parts stores can help you determine the best refrigerant for your vehicle, or you can consult a licensed mechanic.
Recharge kits come with a can of refrigerant, a reusable recharge hose outfitted with a pressure gauge and instructions for the proper procedure for your vehicle. Some of the better recharge kits include a manifold gauge set, which will give you more accurate measurements on your vehicle’s system. Before beginning the process, you’ll need to locate the low-side service port on your A/C system by looking for a red line on the top of the engine block or checking the owner’s manual.
It’s very important that you follow the directions exactly and evacuate the air from the system before adding any refrigerant. If you don’t, the delicate components of the A/C system could be damaged and your system will not work properly again. This is why it’s important to leave any car AC maintenance to a licensed mechanic. Trying to do it yourself could result in serious injury or damage your vehicle, and cost you much more in the long run.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of a car AC recharge kit can vary based on the age and condition of the AC system. If the AC components are old or worn out, simply adding more refrigerant may not significantly improve performance. In such cases, a comprehensive inspection by a qualified mechanic may be necessary to identify and address any underlying issues.