There is no denying that Australian summers can be brutal, so it's essential to make sure your car's air conditioning unit is in good working order. A poorly maintained system will struggle to keep you cool even at highway speeds, and on an extreme day, a poorly maintained unit won't work, rendering the vehicle unusable. Thus, keeping your car windows open while driving at high speed is no longer necessary to stay cool in the summer. Modern cars have climate control systems that keep the inside of the vehicle cool, even on the hottest days. Such advanced cars like Mercedes, BMW and Volkswagen need a qualified mechanic for servicing. Thus, if you own a high-performance vehicle like a BMW, you should look for a professional BMW mechanic in Melbourne that can provide you with proper assistance.

How often should you service your car's air conditioning?

It is recommended to service your car's air conditioning every 1-2 years. However, most car manufacturers recommend servicing annually. Service includes checking the cabin and engine airflow, A/C compressor timing belt tensioner/idler pulleys, vacuum hoses and refrigerant. Doing this before summer will ensure that your car's air con is ready to go and won't give you any hassles in the peak of the hot season.

What is car air conditioner regassing?

Your vehicle's air conditioning system majorly relies on a refrigerant gas to cool your interior, converting warm air into cool liquid and then back into cool air. The elements of the system include a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, receiver and evaporator. The refrigerant gas maintains high pressure as it cycles between liquid and gas states to maintain optimal temperature control within your car. In order to ensure safe operation and maximum efficiency, your vehicle's air conditioning system must be regassed from time to time.

It will involve evacuating the existing refrigerant gas from your car's air conditioning system and testing for leaks before recharging it with a new supply of refrigerant and re-pressurising the system. Most vehicles need to be regassed every two years, but some can continue operating for longer than this period without needing servicing. Moreover, having your air conditioning inspected regularly is a great way to catch any problems before they cause significant damage or cost you money in repairs.

How Often Should You Regas Your Car Air Conditioner?

You must have your car's air conditioning system regassed every year. Some vehicles can last five years before needing a regas. Still, it's best to put your vehicle through regular service to keep your car's compressor in good working condition. Even the best-designed cars will lose roughly 10% of the refrigerant gas in their air conditioning systems annually. It's essential to think of your car's air conditioning system the same way you would its engine and overall performance. You wouldn't wait until your car dies before getting it fixed, so why wait for your air conditioning system to break before regassing? The more often you have it regassed, the fewer potential problems you'll likely face later down the track.

How do you know if your car's air conditioning needs regassing?

Here is the list of signs that indicate that your car air conditioner needs regassing:

• When the air from your car vents is not as cold as it used to be, this is the most common indicator that you need to have your ac unit recharged.

• When your car's air conditioning cannot keep the temperature of the passenger compartment low.

• A musty odour from the car air conditioning system is also a prominent sign. It is caused by the build-up of moisture, particles and dirt in the refrigerant gas.

• You can have a problem with your car's air conditioning system if you hear strange banging, rattling, or grinding noises.

How does a car air conditioner regas work?

The car's cooling system can leak. It can be an indicator that your unit requires service. However, leaks are often hard to detect before a car's air conditioning needs to be recharged. That's why it's crucial to timely service your vehicle's air conditioning system.

Following are the steps performed during an air conditioning service for your car:

• Inspecting the operation valves, thermostats, hoses, drive belts and pulleys

• Testing the system lines and components for leaks with an electric leak detector

• The air conditioning system gets evacuated to recover the refrigerant

• Adding new refrigerant oil to the system

• Checking the condenser temperature.

• A suction-line temperature reading

• A trial of running the vehicle to check the air vent temperature

To protect your vehicle and yourself, choosing a qualified servicing workshop for air conditioning regassing is essential. Cheap air conditioning regassing can pose significant risks to the health of your car, including damaging the cooling system components and causing a fire. If your vehicle met with an accident, there is an incredibly high risk of this flammable gas being released inside the cabin. So, for that reason, make sure you hire a trusted European car service in Melbourne for your car's air conditioning regas.

How much does the car air conditioner regas cost?

The cost of getting your air-conditioning system serviced will depend on your vehicle type and the workshop's location. A regular car service will include checks for apparent problems associated with the cooling system. Still, having your auto electrician thoroughly service your air-conditioning system periodically is a worthwhile and healthy practice.

Conclusion

If the air conditioning in your car has been underperforming and making your driving experience unpleasant, it is an indication that you need to get your system serviced. By getting the air conditioning unit in your vehicle serviced every 12 months, you'll be able to ensure that it will live a long and healthy life. To get your car air conditioner adequately checked, hire a team of specialists with ample experience and the required skill set.