Beat the Summer Heat: Car AC Gas Filling–Comprehensive Guide

It is a need in India, to get your car AC working. The Northern parts of India experience immense heat and the Southern part experiences humid weather. People in both regions suffer from a sweaty car drive once the AC breaks down. It becomes necessary to get the car’s Air conditioner fixed during the summer and monsoon seasons in India.

The most common issue with the car air conditioner is refrigerant leakage. Car AC gas filling is the ultimate solution for this. There is a buzz around the different types of refrigerants available in the market.

Types of Refrigerants

• r134a – It has been used in vehicles from the early 90’s till date in many countries

• r134a is used in most of the vehicles in India

• r1234yf – This refrigerant has been used in vehicles since 2014. It is used in most of the countries in North and South America.
• r12 – This is a very old refrigerant. It was used in old vehicles

The process of car AC gas filling is a time-consuming process to an extent. It also requires precision while working with gas refrigerant cans and cylinders.

Before getting into the process let us look at the tools and equipment required for the process of car AC gas Filling.

Equipment and Tools Required

• Manifold Gauge

This gauge is used to measure low and High refrigerant pressures. In some of the modern automatic AC filling machines, this gauge is pre installed along with the vacuum pump.

• AC Vacuum pump

It is used to remove any gas, vapors, and other contaminants from refrigeration systems. Doing the gas removal is very important for the process of AC gas Refilling.

• Adaptors for the Manifold Gauge and Vacuum pump

These adapters connect the Manifold Gauge and vacuum pump with the Car’s AC compressor.

• Refrigeration oil(If needed)

Refrigeration oil provides lubrication in the AC compressor. This helps in the circulation of refrigerant through the system.

• Refrigerant

(r134a/r12/r1234yf)

Important Points to Remember for the Process of Car AC Gas Filling

1. The process of AC gas recharge should be done under shade or it can affect the results. This precautionary measure is mentioned on the back of the refrigerant can.
2. Front and Back doors of the cars should be left open while refilling AC gas.
3. Always use the recommended refrigerant type. It is mentioned in the car’s manual and on the bottom of the hood of the car.
4. Do not overcharge the Gas.

Process of Car AC gas Refilling

Measure the Outside Temperature

If the outside temperature is cold then do not try to refill the gas. The temperature must be above 12 degrees Celsius. The gas recharging is done according to temperature and refrigerant pressure. Both of them have to be at a balanced level.

Find the Low-Side Service Port

The service port is found on the cooling system line connecting the accumulator and compressor.

1. Clean the pipes and the surfaces around them. This will prevent the accumulated dust from entering the cooling system when there is pressure.
2. Attach the adapters with the charging hose and the hose to the low-side service port.
3. Recharge the refrigerant to the optimum level and do not overcharge it.
4. Remove the Charging Hose carefully.
5. Recheck if there is any leakage or if the AC is working fine.

Conclusion

Car AC gas filling is done to avoid the cars running on low refrigerant levels during summers and monsoons. The car’s AC often faces a leakage problem hence it requires refilling. AC gas recharge can be done with some specialized Manifold Gauge and AC vacuum pumps. Different types of refrigerants are required for different types of vehicles. The process involves precision and care. It is always recommended to get your car’s AC gas refilling done by an expert with all the precautionary measures required.