Getting the refrigerant charge right is the single most important part of an air con service. Both too much and too little harm performance and can damage the system.
Find the exact figure
Every vehicle has a specific refrigerant charge, listed on the air con label under the bonnet and in the manufacturer’s data. It’s given in grams (commonly between around 400g and 900g for cars, more for larger vehicles). Always use the exact figure for that vehicle.
Why precision matters
- Undercharged: poor cooling, compressor runs hot, oil circulation suffers
- Overcharged: high pressures, reduced cooling, risk of compressor damage
How it’s done correctly
A proper recharge recovers any existing refrigerant, vacuums the system to remove air and moisture, then weighs in the exact specified charge using calibrated equipment. Guessing or ‘topping up by feel’ is unreliable.
FAQ
Where do I find my car’s refrigerant capacity? Check the AC service label under the bonnet or the vehicle handbook — it lists the refrigerant type and exact charge weight.
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