Australian summers can be unbearably hot.
Get into a car that’s been sat in the open on a sunny summer day and that unbearable heat can turn a car into an oven with the cabin temperature reaching ferocious, and downright dangerous, levels.
It’s a good idea, therefore, to have an air conditioning system (A/C) that is in decent working order.
A/C systems, on the whole, are pretty robust. However, they are also quite complex and problems with individual components can occur.
The most likely culprit when a vehicle’s A/C is barely working or not putting out any cold air at all is the refrigerant, or rather the lack of refrigerant. While the system is a closed loop – meaning that there is no exit point for the refrigerant once it is introduced to the system and, in theory, should not need to be ‘topped up’ – the refrigerant can, over time, dissipate and require replacing in a process known as regassing.
What is refrigerant?
The refrigerant is the gas/liquid that flows through the A/C system.
Most modern vehicles use a refrigerant called R134a. However, in recent years a new refrigerant called R1234yf has been developed and may be in use in very recent models. A/C systems are designed to use a specific type of refrigerant, so it is important that the correct one is used when regassing is performed.
When the A/C is in use, the refrigerant is forced through the various components that make up the A/C system – including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, a receiver, and a host of tubes and hoses which work together to cool the vehicle cabin.
How do I know if a regas is needed?
If the A/C is not blowing out cold air, or it is taking longer than normal to cool down the cabin, then clearly something is amiss. The problem could be caused by a number of issues, with any of the several components that make up the A/C system at fault. However, the lack of refrigerant is often the cause.
If you are having an issue with your A/C, it should be examined by a suitably qualified technician. They will likely complete an examination of the entire system which will include inspection of all the components – from drive belts and pulleys to hoses and system lines – and check for any leaks. Assuming there is no requirement for other maintenance or repair, they will then evacuate the system and refill it with the correct volume of new refrigerant.
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MTA Institute (RTO No. 31529) offers a nationally recognised course that covers the skills and knowledge related to servicing and repairing air conditioning components and systems in cars and heavy vehicles.
MTA Institute is the largest private provider of automotive apprenticeships and training in Queensland. Equipped with the latest technology and resources, the Institute offers a full suite of nationally recognised courses.
1 December 2019
Please note the information contained on this page is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice.