The most common reason a car's air conditioning is no longer cold is that it has slowly lost refrigerant. Every system loses a little over the years. But a weak or warm air-con can also come from a blocked cabin filter, a faulty compressor or an electrical fault, so a re-gas alone is not always the answer.
Here is how to work out what is going on, and how to keep it working.
Common causes
- Low refrigerant, from a slow loss over time or from a leak.
- A blocked cabin (pollen) filter, which restricts the airflow.
- A compressor or clutch that is failing or not engaging.
- A condenser at the front of the car blocked with dirt or damaged by stones.
- Electrical faults, such as a sensor, a fuse or a relay.
Signs it needs attention
- Air that is cool rather than cold.
- It works on the motorway but is poor in traffic.
- A musty smell when you switch it on.
- Strange noises when the system starts.
- Mist or water inside the car that does not clear.
How often should you re-gas?
A common suggestion is every two years, or when the performance drops. There is no need to re-gas a system that is working perfectly, but a regular check is cheap and catches a leak before it becomes a failed compressor.
A proper service does more than top up the gas. We test for leaks, check the compressor and the pressures, and tell you what we find. See our air-con servicing, repair and re-gas.
A habit that helps
Run the air-con for a few minutes every week or two, even in winter. It keeps the seals lubricated and the system working, and it clears condensation from the screen faster as well.
Quick answers
How do I know if my air-con needs a re-gas?
If it is no longer as cold as it was, particularly in traffic, it is probably low. A check will show the pressures and any leak.
Can I re-gas the air-con myself?
DIY kits exist, but they cannot find a leak or measure the charge properly, and overfilling can damage the system. A proper service is better.
Why does my air-con smell?
Usually bacteria in the evaporator or a dirty cabin filter. A clean and a new filter normally cures it.
Do you service air-con?
Yes. We carry out air-con servicing and re-gas for all makes and models.