Aircon regas advice needed

dimension7

Hello Moneysavers,

I am looking for quotes for my cars Aircon regas including:
- Vaccum out old gas
- Vaccum test
- (optional) Nitrogen leak test (is this different from above?)
- (optional) Add dye
- Regas
- Recharge compressor oil

I haven't done this service before.

I have been quoted various prices from £30 + VAT to £80 +VAT. Most garages when asked say they will perform all of the above steps (some omit the optional ones).

Some mention the Nitrogen leak test others don't. Some say they will add a 'dye' to detect leaks others don't. Not sure if the "vaccum test" is the same thing?

I am having trouble understanding the pricing difference. Are some persons more qualified or better positioned to perform the above tests than others? It is worth going for the more expensive service? Are the optional steps worth paying for?

Thanks

rev_henry

All regassing machines check for leaks before regassing so no need to worry about the leak test.

The other bits I'm not so sure. Last time I had mine done I just waited until kwik fit had a £29 offer on. I think they just topped it up, rather than removing all the old gas. It came out colder than it went in so all was well as far as I can see!

What's wrong with it? Just not blowing cold/cold enough? If so I'd just go to kwik fit/ATS when they have an offer on. Anything more complex and I'd take it to an aircon specialist.

If it smells, there's no need to pay for the fancy antibacterial stuff. I understand you can do it yourself. Get a can of neutradol or dettol spray and fill the car with it. Then put the aircon on recirculate and on the hottest, max setting, with the car warmed up. Leave it on for half an hour or so. The neutradol and heat kills the bacteria.

Nodding_Donkey

Keep well away from Kwik-fit. that is the equivalent of a DIY top up bottle from Halfrauds. Last time I had mine done it was £44 at an independent and that was for a vacuum out and refill. It was charged on the difference between the weight of refrigerant sucked out and the amount put back in.

dimension7

What's wrong with it? Just not blowing cold/cold enough? If so I'd just go to kwik fit/ATS when they have an offer on. Anything more complex and I'd take it to an aircon specialist.

I'd say not blowing cold enough. I have purchased the car used and its never had this service in the last 7 years, looking at past receipts.

If it smells, there's no need to pay for the fancy antibacterial stuff. I understand you can do it yourself. Get a can of neutradol or dettol spray and fill the car with it. Then put the aircon on recirculate and on the hottest, max setting, with the car warmed up. Leave it on for half an hour or so. The neutradol and heat kills the bacteria.

This is a brilliant piece of money saving advice. Thanks!

Still looking for more concrete answers to the other questions.

forgotmyname

The vacuum test maybe useless. The system does not work under a vacuum
enviroment so it may have a leak under pressure and not under vacuum.

A lot of the refridgerants have dye in them anyway.

Bit like a tyre shop advertising its services and listing inflate tyres.

Netwizard

Find a good local mobile guy and forget about places like Halfords and kwik fit