How Often to Recharge Car Air Conditioning

It’s a hot summer day and you’ve just sat down in the driver’s seat of your stuffy car that has had the sun beaming down on it all day. But, within minutes, you’ve got the air conditioning cranked up and you are lovely and cool.

That’s provided it is actually working properly. The last thing you want is to feel sweaty and flustered and find the air con no longer feels as cold as it once did.

Like many parts of the vehicle, your air conditioning system needs regular maintenance to keep it working efficiently. Over time, refrigerant gas naturally escapes from the system, which means performance gradually reduces. Recharging it can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your vehicle comfortable in every season. But what you may not know is how often to recharge car air conditioning.

How Often Should You Recharge Air Conditioning in Your Car?

Manufacturers recommend that the air conditioning is recharged at least every two years.

Even though the system is sealed, refrigerant gas naturally decreases over time. Most vehicles lose around 10% of refrigerant each year, which means the system gradually becomes less effective. If left too long, the air conditioning will need to work harder to cool the car which can place additional strain on it.

Of course, if you notice that the air conditioning isn’t cooling the car as well as it once was then you need to have it recharged before this. You should also get your air conditioning recharged even if it appears to be working normally and producing cool air. The performance may be reducing without you noticing and regular servicing will help to keep it working efficiently, avoiding potentially costly repairs.

Exactly when to do it can also depend on several other factors, such as:

• The age of the vehicle
• How often the air conditioning is used
• Driving conditions
• Whether the system has any leaks or worn seals

If you have an older vehicle then it may require servicing more frequently, especially if the air conditioning hasn’t been maintained regularly. Likewise, if you use it all year round, then you may find that it needs recharging sooner.

There are several things you need to do for car maintenance during summer and checking your air conditioning should definitely be a priority.

Signs Your Air Conditioning Needs a Recharge

If you are unsure how to know when your air con needs recharging, here are the warning signs to look out for.

Weak or warm airflow: one of the most obvious signs that your air conditioning needs recharging is when the air coming through the vents no longer feels as cold as it used to. It may be that it is taking longer to cool the car or only blowing out slightly cool air.

Bad smells from the vents: musty or unpleasant smells can indicate mould or moisture build-up within the system. An air conditioning service can often help remove odours and improve air quality inside the car.

Windows taking longer to demist: your air conditioning helps remove moisture from inside the vehicle. If your windscreen is taking longer to clear, it could be a sign the system is no longer operating efficiently.

Strange noises when the air con is running: buzzing or rattling noises may suggest the air conditioning system is struggling due to low pressure or worn components.
Air conditioning stops working completely: in some cases, the system may stop producing cold air altogether. If this happens shortly after a recharge, there may be a leak or another fault that needs to be repaired.

Do You Need Working Air Conditioning to Pass Your MOT?

Air conditioning is not currently included as part of the MOT test in the UK. This means you will pass it even if the system is not working correctly.

A functioning air conditioning system improves visibility during wet and cold weather by helping clear condensation quickly. So, while the air con itself is not tested, other related issues could still affect your MOT result. Check out what is and isn’t tested during an MOT to help you prepare for yours.

Vital Vehicle Care Can Help Keep Your Car Moving

At Vital Vehicle Care, we offer a wide range of car maintenance services from MOTs to recharging air conditioning. Combining an air conditioning service with your MOT or annual vehicle service can be a convenient way to keep your car in good condition.

Routine servicing will help improve the cooling performance as well as extending the lifespan of the air conditioning components. This helps keep your car comfortable and reliable all year round, especially during the summer.

Whether you are looking for a car air conditioning recharge in Peterborough, need urgent repairs or want to get booked in for a service, contact us today and see how we can help. We are Trust my Garage accredited, so your car is in safe hands.