Car Air Con recharge?

Agrajag

Is Car Air Conditioning recharge actually worth it? And if so, where is the cheapest to get it done? How much should it cost?

My car (Renault Scenic) is about 6 years old, and has never had the air con recharged.
But I worry that I will spend money for no real difference.

Is it worth it?

Sidmon

In one word yes! I'm in the motor trade and have a local chap who specialises in coming out mobile and doing it at your home. He knows what he's doing and doesn't skimp on the job (as some do including Kwik Fit) and due to being mobile is extremely competitive. Once recharged you'll notice just how much cooder it is and by having it done will prolong the life of the air con components as the old moisture/dirt in the system will be vacuumed out first (if the person doing it is doing it properly), and once regassed they will also renew the compressor oil. Well worth getting the yellow pages out and asking for a quote for regassing, and asking how long they will vacuum the system before regassing. If they say an hour or so then your looking at a reputable specialist...if not then they're cutting corners. Also shouldn't cost more than £60 and if you try your luck you could keep bartering them with the best quote, especially of one sounds more extensive a specialist than the other, but the other is cheaper.

harveybobbles

I wonder when people will actually realise to use aircon all the time, not just in the few weeks that its mega hot...

Sidmon

harveybobbles wrote: »

I wonder when people will actually realise to use aircon all the time, not just in the few weeks that its mega hot...

Very good point, although after 6 years it would definitely be requiring a regas anyway. To keep the seals lubricated and excess moisture out of system then 5 minutes of A/C running every 2 weeks should do the trick.

harveybobbles

I just leave mine on all the time. Using the Mother In Laws car this week cos she wants me to do some jobs on it while shes in hospital and she told me not to use the Added Cost button lol.

ArsenalFC

You should test the air con to see if it's still cold enough for the summer months.
If it is cold enough, I don't think you need to regas it.

As others said maybe it's good to have a regas to keep the components in good condition. Air con is so handy not just for the summer, I use it in the winter to get rid of moisture on the front screen so I can drive off asap.

Inactive

harveybobbles wrote: »

I just leave mine on all the time. Using the Mother In Laws car this week cos she wants me to do some jobs on it while shes in hospital and she told me not to use the Added Cost button lol.

She has a point, it does add cost.;)

harveybobbles

So does having the sunroof/windows open. That causes more drag than having the AC on to be honest...

thescouselander

There were plenty of places round here doing aircon recharges for £40. Thats just the basic take the old gas out and put new in. If you suspect you might have a leak you might be better going for a full service that will cost more.

Inactive

harveybobbles wrote: »

So does having the sunroof/windows open. That causes more drag than having the AC on to be honest...

Having a window slightly open, certainly doesn't cost as much as the additional fuel used, when running the AC.;)

gaz_jones

Inactive wrote: »

Having a window slightly open, certainly doesn't cost as much as the additional fuel used, when running the AC.;)

Is this true? I have always wondered what is worse...Aircon on or windows open...