Why You Need to Regas Your Car’s Air Con This Summer
We’ve all been there; you get into your car after it has been baking in the sun for a few hours. The steering wheel is too hot to touch, the seats are scorching, and you’re immediately drenched in sweat. You start the engine and crank the air conditioning to max. But instead of a refreshing arctic blast, you get a pathetic, lukewarm, and often smelly, breeze.
As we head into the peak of summer, sitting in traffic shouldn’t feel like a test of physical endurance. If your car’s air conditioning isn’t performing like it used to, it’s likely crying out for a check-up and a regas. Here is why booking your car in for an air con service should be at the very top of your summer to-do list.
Where Did the Cold Air Go? (The 10% Rule)
Many drivers assume that a car’s air conditioning is a permanently sealed system that never needs topping up. In reality, automotive air conditioning systems naturally lose about 10% of their refrigerant gas every single year through the rubber hoses and connecting seals.
As that gas level drops, the system can no longer drop the temperature of the air entering the car. A standard regas (or recharge) removes the old gas, checks for leaks, and fills the system with fresh refrigerant to restore that ice-cold temperature.
You Are Actually Saving Fuel
It sounds counterintuitive, but running a poorly performing air conditioning system actually uses more fuel. When refrigerant levels are low, the compressor (the pump that drives the system) has to work twice as hard and run continuously to try and cool the interior. This puts a massive mechanical strain on your engine. By servicing and regassing the system, the compressor runs efficiently, reducing engine strain and saving you money at the petrol pump.
Banishing the Damp Towel Smell
Have you ever turned on your blowers and been hit with a musty, stale or even eggy smell? Because the air conditioning system strips moisture out of the air, the evaporator inside your dashboard stays dark and damp. It becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, mould, and fungi. A proper air con service doesn’t just swap the gas—it usually includes a de-bacterial clean. It’s a good idea to replace your cabin pollen filter to ensure the air you breathe is clean and allergen-free.
Protecting Against Costly Failures
Refrigerant gas does more than just cool the car; it also carries a special lubricant that keeps the internal seals and the compressor moving smoothly. If you run the system dry, the compressor can seize up entirely. Replacing a broken compressor can easily cost hundreds of pounds, whereas a preventative regas is a fraction of the price.
Don’t Sweat It Out
Don’t wait until you’re stuck in a motorway jam on the hottest day of the year to find out your air con has given up. We can carry out this service at our Sudbury, Saffron Walden, and Stowmarket branches. To book your air con check or to find out more about our services, get in touch today and ensure your summer drives stay perfectly chilled. https://www.treadfirst.co.uk/car-servicing-repair/air-conditioning/
