Most car owners assume servicing should only be done to ‘important’ car components. If you ask them what these important car components are, very rarely will someone mention the car airconditioning system? Do not overlook it as it's a crucial component that adds to the overall comfort of occupants. If it's hot outside, especially during the hot Australian summer, you get cool air and remain comfortable inside your car. To continue enjoying this comfort, regular servicing and regassing are crucial.
What Is Regassing and How Often Should You Do It?
You may notice your air conditioning system losing its efficiency. Don’t dismiss this as just a clogged filter that needs replacing. Lucky if that’s only the problem; at times, the problem is a refrigerant leak or worn out seals. Regassing is the solution. It is the process of removing the old refrigerant gas from your AC and replacing it with new refrigerant and should be done annually or after two years. Of course, locating and replacing loose seals should be part of it.
"But I barely use my car, should I regas it after one year?" Some cars will last for up to four years without the need for regassing, but it's better to be safe than sorry. To avoid a full-blown AC disaster, it would be best that you regularly service the car's compressor. Also note, it doesn't matter what type of car you're using; it will always lose roughly 11% of the AC's refrigerant gas annually.
How do you know if your car air conditioning needs regassing?
If you bought the car from a dealership and had been using it for a while, you would notice the slightest changes. If you feel that the air is not as cool as it used to be, it's time to regas. Australia experiences maximum temperatures of 29°C during the summer. In these hot days, if you notice the AC struggling to cool the air, it is a sign you need to regas. Notice a foul odour after you activate the AC? A contaminated refrigerant gas causes a foul smell, and it’s another indication that you need to regas.
How much do servicing and regassing cost in Australia?
Car aircon regassing will cost you no less than $100. For exceptional services, be prepared to part with $115-165 for regassing, viability check, draining the old refrigerant and labour.
How much will it cost if there are issues with the compressor?
Replacing a defective compressor is expensive. You will have to pay $500-1400. This includes other minor components, regassing and labour. Sometimes, the compressor may damage other parts including hoses, and this makes replacing more expensive: you may pay up to $4,000. NOTE: Most compressors start experiencing issues after 150,000 km.
NOTE: The cost of repair depends on the location and mechanic you choose.
Be Wise and Maintain the AC: This Is How You Do It
Maintaining the AC is as important as servicing it, if not more important. Maintaining it means you will not have to keep replacing it as often. Here's what you should do:
- Run it at least once every seven days. This is especially when you do not need it: during winter. Doing this will keep the refrigerant gas at optimum pressure, ready for the summer when you need it most.
- Part of maintenance is having it serviced at least once every two years; it doesn't matter how less often you use your car.
One last thing, please have your windows closed to help the AC work effectively. Opening the windows drives the AC system to work harder and reduces its efficiency. Aside from unnecessarily burdening the AC, you're also consuming more fuel.
For your car AC servicing needs, please look for expert mechanics. They will know which parts need replacing during the car AC regassing. Do you know where to look for them? That’s easy – search using the Carpart.com.au directory. As for parts, there’s no need to go far. You can request for any car part right here at Carpart through the auto part finder. Request a part now and start getting quotes!
By Eric Anyega