Car air conditioning loses a little refrigerant every year, so even a healthy system eventually needs topping up. Spotting the signs early keeps you comfortable and protects the AC components.
The warning signs
- Weak or warm airflow — the most obvious sign; the air just isn’t as cold as it should be
- Takes longer to cool — the cabin cools slowly on hot days
- Unusual noises from the compressor when AC is on
- A musty smell — sometimes linked to moisture and reduced performance
- AC clutch not engaging — low-pressure cut-outs can stop the compressor running
Why act promptly
Running an AC system low on refrigerant can damage the compressor (an expensive repair), because the refrigerant also carries the lubricating oil. Regassing also includes checking for leaks.
More than just a top-up
A proper service recovers the old refrigerant, checks for leaks, vacuums the system and recharges to the correct amount — rather than simply adding gas to a leaking system.
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