recharge kit

The car air conditioning recharge kits that are available at most auto parts stores can be used to fill an AC system with new refrigerant and repair small leaks. While this is not a bad idea for the DIY car owner, there are several reasons that you should consider detecting AC leaks before using a recharge kit. If you use one of these recharge kits on a leaking AC system, all that fresh refrigerant will likely be sucked right back out of the system. This will not only waste your money, but it could also cause additional damage to your system due to excessively high refrigerant pressure.

Electronic Leak Detector: Many car ac recharge kit come with an electronic leak detector that can pinpoint the location of the leak in your system. The device works by sending a small amount of a conductive chemical into the AC system to react with any liquid refrigerant and trigger a reaction that will emit a signal when it comes into contact with air. This is a fast and efficient method to find leaks, but some lower-priced models may give false alarms. A good technician knows how to spot these false signals and can make a quick diagnosis based on the symptoms of your vehicle’s AC system.

Soap Solution: Another method for finding AC leaks is to pour a soap solution into the evaporator and discharge lines of your system. This will cause the soap to form bubbles, which can help you locate any areas of your system that are leaking. However, this method is limited in its effectiveness, since it is difficult to get a soap solution into the evaporator or discharge lines and it will not work on a slow or concealed leak.

Will using a recharge kit void my extended warranty?

UV Dye: A dye based leak down test uses a special type of ultraviolet light to illuminate the area around a leaking air conditioner component, such as the compressor manifolds or hoses. The injected dye will glow under the ultraviolet light, making it easier to see and fix the problem. This is a good option for locating a slow or concealed leak that cannot be easily found with an electronic leak detector.

Most at-home recharge kits are not compatible with the more environmentally friendly R1234yf refrigerant that is now being used in some cars. Additionally, some of these kits can cause major damage to the compressor and other parts of the AC system if used on a car with a different type of refrigerant.

If your car is in need of a refrigerant refill, it is important to be sure that there are no major leaks before you attempt a recharge. A professional service technician will be able to assess the condition of your AC system and recommend the proper repairs to keep you cool. If you do decide to go the DIY route, be sure to follow all safety precautions and use a quality recharge kit with an accessory refrigerant gauge.