Why Getting the Right Car Refrigerant Gas for Your Vehicle Is Crucial
With British summer finally under way, it won’t be long before you need to turn on your air con to keep your vehicle cool and comfy.
Whether you’re planning an exciting road trip across the West Country or merely relying on your car for your daily commute to work, a properly functioning air con is essential for creating a pleasant environment.
But what should you do if it’s not functioning properly?
At this point, you’re probably wondering:
Does my air con need regassing? And if so, does it really matter which car refrigerant gas I use?
The thing is:
Getting the correct refrigerant gas for your vehicle matters more than it might seem, because modern air-conditioning systems are designed very specifically around a particular type of refrigerant.
To answer these burning questions (pun intended) and help you enjoy cool and pleasant journeys this summer, at Plymouth Radiators we’re going to look at the importance of air con regassing and the different types of car refrigerant gas.
Let’s dive right in.
What Is an Air Con Regas?
First things first – we have to make sure we’re all on the same page as far as the basics are concerned.
An air con regas is a service where a vehicle’s air conditioning system is emptied of old refrigerant and refilled with fresh car refrigerant gas.
Over time, your car’s system naturally loses a small amount of refrigerant through tiny leaks in seals and hoses. And when the level drops below a certain point, the system can’t absorb and remove heat effectively, so the cooling performance gets weaker.
A typical regas involves a few steps:
First, the technician checks the system for pressure levels and often tests for leaks. If the system is safe to service, the old refrigerant is recovered (not released into the atmosphere).
Second, the system is vacuumed to remove moisture and air, which can damage components or reduce efficiency.
Third, the correct type and amount of refrigerant is added, along with a small amount of compressor oil if needed.
Finally, the system is tested to make sure it’s cooling properly and holding pressure.
How Long Does Air Con Regas Last?
An air con regas typically lasts about one to two years, but this can vary depending on the vehicle and the condition of the system.
In a properly sealed and healthy air conditioning system, refrigerant loss should be very slow. However, most cars develop tiny leaks over time in seals, hoses, or the compressor, which means the cooling performance gradually declines. So, many manufacturers and garages recommend an air con service or regas roughly every two years.
That being said:
Driving habits and climate can play a role. Cars that use air conditioning heavily may lose performance slightly sooner.
Your rule of thumb should be:
If you can’t remember when your car last had an air con regas, it’s probably overdue for one.
And on that note…
Old Gas vs New Gas: The Different Types of Refrigerant Gas
When it comes to car refrigerant gas, the two most common types you’ll hear about nowadays are R134a (colloquially known as ‘old gas’) and R1234yf (also known as ‘new gas’).
Here’s how they differ:
R134a Refrigerant (Old Gas)
R134a was the standard refrigerant for many years. As such, it was used in most cars built from the mid-1990s to around 2016. A type of HFC (Hydrofluorocarbon), R1s4a is reliable and widely proven.
At the same time, it has high global warming potential, which is why it’s gradually being phased out. Nevertheless, if your vehicle was manufactured between 1994 and 2012, you can still use R-134a.
Key takeaway: Old gas is still commonly found in (you guessed it) older cars, but it can no longer be used in new models manufactured from 2017 onwards.
R1234yf (New Gas)
R1234yf is the modern replacement used in most newer vehicles. It’s also the current industry standard in the UK and the EU. On the face of it, R1234yf is quite similar to old gas in that it’s also an HFO. However, it was designed to meet modern environmental regulations, resulting in a much lower global warming impact.
On the downside, new gas is considerably more expensive than old gas – around two times more expensive, to be more precise – primarily due to higher production costs and limited manufacturing.
Old Gas vs New Gas at a Glance
Old gas (R134a) is used in older vehicles, while new gas (R1234yf) is used in modern cars manufactured since 2017 to meet environmental standards. Using the correct type is essential for proper cooling, system safety, and avoiding expensive damage – old gas and new gas cannot be mixed or swapped.
Plymouth Radiators: Your Local Air Con Regas Specialists
Whether you drive an older model or a brand new vehicle, you can trust Plymouth Radiators to regas your air con with the right type of car refrigerant gas at an affordable price.
In addition to our standard offerings of Car Radiator Repair, Classic Car Radiator Repair, Motorcycle Radiator Repair, and Fuel Tank Fabrication, we are specialists in Air Conditioning, with years of experience.
So, if you can’t remember when your air con last had a regas, or it’s suddenly blowing hot air in the middle of July, you should call us during our regular hours on 01752 666402 or in emergencies on 07989 973385.
Whatever the issue may be, at Plymouth Radiators we’re always happy to assist with your vehicle.