Air conditioning is not just important at home or in the office! By car too. Do you no longer feel fresh air when you turn on the air conditioning? Does the system only blow hot air? Not very pleasant in a heatwave ... Or does your de-icing system seem to be slipping? These are all signs that your car's air conditioning is running out of steam and needs to be changed or recharged. It is important to take these signs into account, otherwise the compressor could be damaged. The solution: re-equip an
auto air conditioning recharge
. A good maintenance, every two years or so, generally makes it possible not to run out of fresh air. Your mechanic then checks the condition of the air conditioning filter.
An air conditioning system works like a refrigerator.
Which seems logical when we know that the air conditioning is used to cool the interior of the vehicle in the event of high outside temperatures.
It is therefore a closed circuit where freon, a fluid, circulates.
It is this liquid which allows the air to be cooled by passing into the gaseous state.
This is why it is important that the liquid remains in a large quantity, for the proper functioning of the air conditioning.
Otherwise, you have to think about changing the auto air conditioning recharge, quite simply.
A recharge whose lifespan is estimated at three years.
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Where can you find refills for your air conditioning?
Why recharge your car air conditioning?
If your air conditioning blows not too cool air, hot air or if your defrost system works less well, then this is a sign that your car air conditioning is good to change.
Typically, this happens after three years of recharging, and unfortunately you only notice it at the last moment, that is, when the outside temperatures start to rise and you urgently need to use it. fresh air in the car… To avoid this small inconvenience, it is always possible to anticipate and have the air conditioning system checked every two years in order to detect, for example, a possible leak.
Faced with a faulty air conditioning, only one solution: change the charging of your car air conditioning.
Certified professionals to recharge your air conditioning
An element long considered to be comfort, the air conditioning is also a safety equipment, because it allows you to put you in good driving conditions even in hot weather.
Hence the importance of recharging it regularly and maintaining it.
The easiest way for motorists who do not know anything about mechanics is to go to an approved mechanic or an approved center.
Indeed, the air conditioning system is quite complex and technical.
In addition, there is gas manipulation.
You thus have the choice between auto centers (such as Norauto, Midas, Feu Vert, etc.), your mechanic and members of manufacturer networks.
Recharge your air conditioning yourself, it's possible
If you know the mechanics and are used to repairing your car on your own, then it is also possible to recharge the air conditioning yourself. For this, there are auto air conditioning recharging kits for sale on many merchant sites, and not just the sites of automotive professionals. The steps to follow to recharge your air conditioning are quite simple, but again, you have to be a connoisseur of the system. It's not just about pulling out the toolbox to change tires. The first step is to know the amount of refrigerant still present in the system, then to check whether or not there are leaks. After draining the tank, you will connect the hoses. You will not open the valve until the engine has started. When charging is complete,all you have to do is turn off the tap, then check that the air conditioning is working properly.
How to choose the recharging of your car air conditioning?
How do you know which gas is used for your air conditioning?
An auto air conditioning recharge is made up of gas, it is it, also called refrigerant, which cools the system.
To find out what type of gas is used in your system, you can either refer to the user manual, open the cover and read the label corresponding to the type of gas, or rely on the colors of the filling connection buttons ( gray for R1234YF gas, black for R134A, for example).
Note also that since 2017 and a new European regulation, all vehicles manufactured from that date must be equipped with R1234YF gas, which is less polluting.
R134A, R1234YF or R744?
Handling R134A gas is an act that should be done by a professional.
Its successor, the so-called 4th generation gas, R1234YF, complies with environmental standards and its regulations are more flexible.
Home mechanics can therefore handle it, but be careful, it is flammable.
More expensive, R744 is non-flammable and non-explosive.
Heavier vehicles are usually equipped with it, such as heavy goods vehicles or buses.
Which air conditioning recharge is the cheapest?
Charging at home
Whether it is out of a passion for mechanics or a desire to save money or for these two reasons, budding mechanics who prefer to recharge their air conditioning by their own means inevitably gain from the wallet.
No labor to pay.
Affordable prices on top-ups purchased on the Internet.
It is also necessary to be equipped with the right tools and the right pipes and a pressure gauge.
Recharge at your garage
Your usual mechanic is of course authorized to recharge your car air conditioning.
It is certainly the most expensive solution unless you have a package at home or it gives you preferential rates if you are a regular customer.
Charging in a manufacturer's network
If your vehicle is purchased new, you may still be able to benefit from free air conditioning recharging in the manufacturer's network.
Find out if you are eligible or if you can get free air conditioning check with air conditioning filter change.
All the good deals are to be had when it comes to auto expenses.
Charging in an approved center
In approved centers, such as Norauto, Midas or Feu Vert, promotions are regularly launched in the spring, on the eve of temperature rises, for auto air conditioning recharges.
This can be, for example, an air conditioning recharge package for € 20.
There may also be special offers for a full exam with leak detection for € 30.
On average, and excluding promotions, recharging an auto air conditioning can range from € 50 to € 100, depending on the professional and the service: system control, leak detection, recharging, new filter… The important thing is to anticipate and s 'take it before the summer rush.
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