The AC system works by circulating refrigerant through a sealed system to:
- Remove heat from inside the vehicle
- Cool the air entering the cabin
- Reduce humidity, helping to quickly demist windows
Even in winter, air conditioning is important for keeping moisture out of the cabin and maintaining clear glass.
There are two main types of refrigerant gas used in modern vehicles. Both exist because of environmental regulations and changes in vehicle design over time.
R134a (Older Refrigerant)
- Used in most vehicles manufactured before around 2016–2017
- Commonly found in older vehicles
R1234yf (Newer Refrigerant)
- Introduced to meet stricter environmental regulations
- Used in most vehicles manufactured from around 2017 onwards
- Has a much lower environmental impact
- Requires specialised equipment and handling
The two systems are not interchangeable. Using the wrong gas can damage the AC system and lead to costly repairs.
Environmental legislation required manufacturers to move away from older refrigerants with a higher environmental impact. As a result, newer vehicles were designed with different system components to safely operate with the new refrigerant.
This is why it’s essential to correctly identify which system your vehicle uses before any air conditioning work is carried out.
The Importance of Proper AC Regassing
Air conditioning systems operate under high pressure and must be serviced correctly. Proper AC regassing ensures:
- The correct type of refrigerant is used
- The correct amount of gas is added
- The system operates safely and efficiently
- Consistent and effective cooling performance
- Incorrect or incomplete regassing can lead to poor cooling, system damage, and unnecessary repair costs.
- Book Your Air Conditioning Service
If your air conditioning isn’t cooling effectively or hasn’t been serviced recently, it’s time to have it checked.
Contact The Mechanic today to get booked in for a professional air conditioning service and keep your vehicle cool and comfortable all year round.