When you are taking a long drive in the summer or stuck in the middle of heavy traffic, your car’s air conditioner may prove to be your best friend. Now imagine the frustration if the conditioner suddenly stopped because the refrigerant ran out. Hence, you need to recharge your car’s AC when this happens. But how long does this process take?
Typically, recharging your car’s AC can take you 40 to 50 minutes, where you completely replace the old gas fresh refrigerant. Of course, you can bring this time down to 10 or 15 minutes with a few tricks. But it is best to take your time to check the conditioner properly first and then recharge.
In this article, we explain the process of replacing the gas in your car’s air conditioner. We also look at the possible signs that indicate your conditioner is low on gas.
How Often Should You Recharge the Air Conditioner?
This depends mainly on the quality of your car’s AC and partly on how you use it. Some car ACs can last for 5 to 7 years before you need to recharge them. Other car models can offer significantly less duration on its AC where you need to recharge once every year or two.
If you live in warmer climates such as Arizona or Texas, you are probably using the car’s AC a lot more often. As such, the gas in the conditioner will likely run out much sooner.
Similar to the engine of your car, it is best to do a regular checkup on your car’s AC. You do not want to wait for the AC to fail at a critical moment and then decide to recharge it. When bringing your car to the shop or mechanic for a maintenance check, make sure you get the AC examined thoroughly.
How Can You Tell Your AC Needs a Refill?
There are some obvious signs that indicate a failing air conditioner. If you pay close attention, you can spot these pretty early, which might just save you from a potentially excruciating session on a hot afternoon. So, here are the signs you can look out for:
The AC is Blowing Warm Air
One of the more telltale symptoms that you need to recharge your air conditioner and you need to do it immediately. Normally, your AC will blow in cool, fresh air when you set the ac to cool.
But if the freon (or refrigerant) level inside the condenser is running low, the AC cannot exchange heat properly. So, instead of getting a chilled environment, you get the same temperature present on the outside.
The Clutch Does Not Engage
Have you ever noticed a “clicking” sound when you turn on the AC in your car? That is actually the sound of the clutch engaging and working properly.
Once again, if the pressure is too low inside the conditioner, the clutch will not work. And so, you will not hear any clicking noise when you turn the AC on.
Visible Leakage
This is arguably the most worrying sign of a failing conditioner. If there is any leak in the tank, the freon will start to seep out slowly. Once it does, the pressure gets too low, and the AC does not cool properly.
Usually, this leakage takes the form of a thin, greasy substance. If your car does have this problem, you will often find signs of it under the car’s hood, near the compressor.
Why Does Your Car AC Run Out Of Refrigerant?
Contrary to what some may believe initially, the refrigerant (usually freon) inside an AC does not evaporate or convert to other substances. The machine is designed to continuously recycle the gas without losing any of it.
So, the only way for the refrigerant level to deplete over time is through a leak. Sometimes there are multiple leaks that aggravate the loss further. The leakage can be down to several factors.
Accidents are very common on the road and that leads to a damaged tank or compressor. If you are not careful when working on your vehicle, you may end up damaging parts of the air conditioning system.
Time is also not a friend in this case. With enough time and use, natural wear and tear appear on different parts of your car, including the AC. Hence, why it is so important to regularly check your car with the help of a professional.
How to Recharge the Air Conditioner in Your Car?
First, you need to check for any leakage or defect in the system. You can use an electronic gauge to detect leakage and find out the pressure level in your conditioner.
If you want a simple, do it yourself method, you can implement the soap bubble method. Send the soap water mixture through your air-cooling system. If there is any leak, bubbles will start to come out. If the leak is very substantial or there are multiple leaks, you should hire professional help.
Also, make sure that all other parts of the AC are functioning properly before you fill the tank. Otherwise, you will not see any result.
You need to keep an eye on the pressure levels inside the tank. This will tell you how much refrigerant you need, if at all. So, carry a pressure gauge with you at all times during this process.
We recommend using AC Pro Car AC Recharge kit from Amazon here.
Adding the Refrigerant
- Remove the inner cap from the refrigerant bottle.
- Shake the can well before you use it.
- Attach the recharge hose to the low-pressure line port. Push down and wiggle until you feel that the connection is secure.
- Do not press the trigger when you are attaching the hose. Otherwise, the refrigerant will be released to the open air rather than inside the tank.
- Then squeeze the trigger to pump out the refrigerant. Hold it tightly without easing up for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Release the trigger and check the pressure levels. If it still is not up to the mark, pump more coolant inside.
Recharging the AC is an essential part of taking care of a car. Doing it properly will not only ensure a cooler journey but also prolong your car’s life and performance.