Question 1

How do I know I need the system servicing ?

Accepted Answer

Over time the refrigerant will deplete within the system even without any significant leaks, it is recommended that you re-gas your car every two years to keep it in optimum working condition. 
 
It may be that you don't get any cold air into the cabin at all, this would be the main factor that could bring you to us, however, the cool air may be intermittent, not as cold as you would like - we aim to get the temperature to around 7-9c but very often achieve lower temperatures than this. 
 
You may have an unpleasant odour in the cabin due to bacterial growth in the venting system or a clogged pollen filter, we change these as part of the 'Complete Service'  or we offer this as an add on to your re-gas.

Question 2

Why is there such a big difference in prices between the gases?

Accepted Answer

The government passed new legislation in 2017 for all new cars to have R1234yf refrigerant used in air con systems as it has a lower global warming potential, unfortunately this comes at a higher price than the older R134a refrigerant - hence the difference in price.

Question 3

How do I know what refrigerant my car uses ?

Accepted Answer

As a rule if your car is pre 2017 it will have R134a refrigerant, after January 2017 it should be R1234yf - however there are a number of vehicles that seem to be in the crossover period and some cars just prior to 2017 could have R1234yf refrigerant in the system.
 
Prior to 1995 R12 was used, some vehicles have been converted to R134a - if this is something you are considering please contact us to discuss.
 
You should also find a manufactures sticker under your bonnet somewhere telling you what type of refrigerant is in your air con system along with how much the system takes. If in doubt you can check your vehicle make, model, year, fuel type etc online.

Question 4

What is a pollen filter ?

Accepted Answer

Maybe you find that you have a tendancy to cough and sneeze when you are in your car, that could indicate a blocked pollen filter .... 
 
Pollen filters do just what it says on the tin, the filter the air coming into the cabin area from pollen, dust, dirt, exhaust fumes and other airbourne materials and debries.  If you suffer from coughs, asthma, hay fever and other respritory conditions ensuring that you have a clean pollen filter will make the cabin a more comfortable environment for you and your passengers.

Question 5

Will you fix my air con ?

Accepted Answer

Generally most cars just need a re-gas to the correct amount of refrigerant to get your car cool again.
 
But not always, if we find a leak or problem with the system we will run a diagnostic nitrogen test to help us find the issue.  If it is something we are unable to fix in situ, we will recommend taking the car to your local garage, or one of our approved garages in your area, so that they can do the repair.  We will then return to re-gas your car once this has been completed.

Question 6

Doesn't my local garage check the air con and filters as part of my standard service ?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunatly no, air con is not part of a standard service and not all garages are knowledgable about the workings and issues of the air con system, they tend to focus more on the mechanical runnings of your car. 
 
Auto AC2U specialise in the air con system to ensure that you have a comfortable driving environment.

Question 7

But I could do it myself couldn't I ?

Accepted Answer

Even though you can buy DIY air con gas refill kits from your local car accessories store, and watch video's on Youtube we really don't recommend that you attempt re-gassing your own vehicle, there are too many potential risks.
 
Judging how much gas you need to add to your system requires specialist equipment and knowledge, you can easily over-charge the system which could damage the compressor, a potentially expensive issue.  You are also at risk of damaging yourself if not done correctly and with the right safety equipment. 
 
Auto AC2U will measure the amount of gas in the system and be able to check for any leaks and problems, we will also recharge the system with the optimal amount of gas to ensure that your air conditioning system works efficiently and effectively and it can be just as cost effective to get us to re-gas your vehicle than taking the risk.

And of course the associate cost of specialist equipment to complete the job to a reasonable standard.

mobile vehicle air conditioning service
covering Gosport, Fareham and surrounding area

Frequently Asked Questions