Before you buy an A/C recharge can at the store, Read This
When your vehicle’s air conditioning starts blowing warm, it’s tempting to look for the quickest and least expensive fix. A trip to the parts store and a $40 A/C recharge can seem like an easy solution.
Sometimes it works. But in many cases, it doesn’t fix the actual problem, and in some situations, it can make future repairs more complicated.
Here’s what you should know before you use one.
Why Is My A/C Blowing Warm Air?
Your vehicle’s air conditioning system is sealed. Under normal conditions, it shouldn’t lose refrigerant over time.
If your A/C isn’t blowing cold, there’s usually a reason, such as:
- A leaking hose or fitting
- A worn compressor seal
- A damaged condenser
- A leaking evaporator
- A faulty compressor
- An electrical issue preventing the system from operating correctly
Simply adding more refrigerant doesn’t solve any of these underlying problems.
The Problem With Some Recharge Cans
Some A/C recharge cans contain only refrigerant. Many others include additional ingredients such as oil, UV dye, or a stop leak additive.
Stop leak products are designed to seal very small leaks within the A/C system. While that may sound appealing, they aren’t a permanent repair and may create additional challenges if the leak isn’t actually fixed.
Before purchasing a recharge can, it’s worth reading the label to understand exactly what’s inside.
Why Do Repair Shops Care About Stop Leak?
Professional repair shops use specialized (expensive) recovery and recharge equipment that safely removes, recycles, and refills your vehicle’s refrigerant.
If a system contains stop leak, some shops may be reluctant to connect that equipment because certain sealants can contaminate expensive recovery machines or require additional precautions during service.
As a result, some repair facilities may decline to service a contaminated system or charge additional labor to safely diagnose and repair it.
A Proper Diagnosis Can Save You Money
Instead of guessing, a professional A/C inspection can identify what’s actually causing the problem.
In many cases, technicians can:
- Verify the refrigerant charge
- Check system pressures
- Inspect for leaks
- Test electrical components
- Identify worn or failed parts
- Recommend only the repairs your vehicle actually needs
Fixing the leak the first time is almost always a better long-term solution than repeatedly adding refrigerant.
Our Recommendation
If your A/C isn’t keeping you cool, we recommend having the system professionally inspected before reaching for a recharge can, especially one that contains stop leak.
A proper diagnosis can help you avoid unnecessary repairs, protect your vehicle’s A/C system, and save money and frustration in the long run.
If you’re unsure what’s causing your A/C problem, our team is happy to take a look and explain exactly what we find so you can make an informed decision.
Need Your A/C Checked?
If your vehicle’s air conditioning isn’t performing like it should, schedule an appointment with Van Wyk Auto. We’ll inspect your system, identify the cause of the problem, and recommend the best solution to get you back to driving comfortably.