Why Self A/C Recharge Kits Are a Bad Idea
The refrigerant in your A/C system is responsible for creating that cool breeze that many of us take for granted, changing between gaseous and liquid states to produce a cooling reaction that lowers the temperature of the air around it.
Over years of usage, this refrigerant fluid can gradually leak from small defects or bad connections throughout the system, depriving the A/C of the fluid it needs to produce cold air. This may lead to your vents blowing lukewarm air despite the dial being turned to a low temperature, making drives in warm weather less than comfortable.
What Are DIY Recharge Kits?
When it’s time to have your refrigerant recharged, you may come across DIY kits at auto parts stores that promise to fully recharge your system and return it to the flow of cold air that you’ve come to expect.
These kits are often less expensive than professional recharge jobs, ranging anywhere from $30 to $100 depending on the type of refrigerant used. They can also be completed quickly by following a few simple steps listed on the back of the can. Are these kits too good to be true?
Downsides of DIY Recharge Kits
Unfortunately, while the price and convenience are tempting, A/C recharge kits can do more harm than good to your A/C system. Here are a few things you should know about the possible problems one can cause.
Recharge Kits Won’t Fix Most Leaks
The source of refrigerant loss in the first place comes from small defects and leaks that have developed over time or through external damage from corrosion or impact. While off-the-shelf kits do contain some compounds that will help cover small leaks, the vast majority will be left untreated and allow the refrigerant to continue leaking. Recharges without fixing leaks are more of a band-aid than a legitimate fix to your issue.
When taking your vehicle to a professional for an A/C recharge service, the technician will have the time and equipment to properly locate and repair the leak rather than allowing it to continue depriving the system of crucial refrigerant.
A/C Recharge Kits Don’t Evacuate Leftover Refrigerant
When recharging your A/C system, chances are that there’s still some volume of refrigerant remaining in the system. During a professional A/C recharge, this lingering refrigerant and moisture buildup is evacuated from the system to make room for the proper amount of refrigerant to be added.
On the other hand, DIY kits simply leave the remaining refrigerant and contaminants within the system. Not only does this allow for harmful moisture to remain within the system, but it can also cause the canister to overcharge the system over the maximum amount, potentially straining crucial components like the compressor to the point of failure.
Recharge Kits Don’t Measure By Weight
The professional recharge systems used by repair facilities and dealerships are leagues above the simple pressure gauges on the refrigerant canisters you’ll find at your local Autozone. Professional systems are able to add the exact amount of refrigerant as specified by the vehicle’s manufacturer by precisely weighing it, while the universal DIY kits instead use a pressure gauge to estimate when the system has been filled.
This lack of precision is one of the largest dangers of DIY kits, as the inexact volume of refrigerant added to your system may be far above factory recommendations, causing the overcharging issue we discussed above.
Potential for Refrigerant Mixups
Since A/C became a standard addition to passenger automobiles in the mid-’50s, the refrigerant fluid used in these systems has changed significantly. After the original Freon refrigerant, R-12, was banned worldwide due to environmental concerns over its CFC content in the ‘90s, R134a took over as the standard in automotive applications. R-134a is still the most common refrigerant on the road, as most vehicles built between the mid-1990s and mid-2010s use it. The industry standard changed once again with the introduction of R-1234yf in 2013, bringing major improvements in environmental friendliness and efficiency.
Using the wrong type of refrigerant or mixing them will cause damage to the system’s components, leading to expensive repairs. While off-the-shelf recharge kits are labeled with the specific refrigerant, there’s still a lot of room for error. It could be easy for a DIYer to mistake one type of refrigerant for another, mistakenly adding the improper refrigerant to their system and causing significant harm. With a professional recharge, however, you can be sure that your vehicle is receiving the proper type of refrigerant.
A/C Services at Toledo Tire & Auto Care
Don’t risk expensive damage to your A/C system with a DIY kit, trust the expert technicians at Toledo Tire & Auto Care to recharge and repair your vehicle’s system and get it back to blowing that cold air you’ve come to expect on hot days. Our team uses advanced equipment to add the precise amount of refrigerant your vehicle needs and repair any leaks or faulty components that caused your issue in the first place. Give us a call or schedule online today at one of our three locations!