There’s nothing worse than sweating in the driver’s seat. If you’ve cranked your car AC to full blast and you’re still not feeling cold air, it might need a service.
Aussie drivers need working AC to keep comfortable, especially as we come up to summer. Your car AC works by cycling refrigerant, and, unlike the fuel that powers your engine, it shouldn’t run out unless there’s a leak. An AC service or regas essentially involves a thorough check to find and fix any leaks in the system before refilling the unit with refrigerant.
There are some early warning signs to look out for that let you know your AC might be in trouble. If you spot any, reach out to the experts at Access Auto Electrics & Air Conditioning to keep you comfortable on the road.
7 Signs Your Car Aircon Needs Regassing
Does your car's air conditioning feel weak? You can save money and avoid uncomfortable drives by spotting warning signs early.
1. Air is no longer cold or takes too long to cool
It’s the obvious sign, but it needs to be said. Your car needs an aircon regas when the system stops blowing cold air or takes substantially longer to cool your vehicle.
2. Strange noises
When you turn your AC on, you should only hear the sound of air blowing. If you start hearing unusual rattling, popping, banging, or grinding sounds, that’s a sign that something’s gone wrong. These noises could mean you have a failing compressor, loose parts, or pressure problems from low refrigerant levels.
3. Bad smell from vents
Musty smells coming from your vents point to bacteria or mould growing inside the system. These odours aren't just unpleasant - they’re a health risk for both adults and children, so you need to get it checked out fast.
4. Windows take longer to demist
Having trouble clearing foggy windows? Your car's air conditioning is a vital part of demisting, so when your windows take more time than usual to clear, your system probably needs regassing.
5. Visible refrigerant leaks under the car
A glossy film on components or fluid under your parked car often means you have a refrigerant leak. Quick detection of these leaks stops them from turning into bigger problems for your vehicle.
6. You can't remember your last regas
Modern vehicles need a service and regas every year, so if you can't remember your last service, you're likely overdue. This is just a general guide, so keep in mind that the more you drive and use your AC, the more you’ll need to get it serviced.
7. Weak or restricted airflow from vents
Poor airflow might mean you have mould in the evaporator core, a loose blower hose, a burnt ventilation fan, or seal problems. A clogged cabin air filter can also limit air circulation in your system.
What Happens During a Car Air Conditioning Service
A visit to Access Auto Electrics & Air Conditioning will help you understand what happens during your car's aircon regassing service.
Regassing process
Our technicians start by removing old refrigerant and running a full leak test. We fix any leaks we find and vacuum-seal all connections to keep the system intact. The final step involves refilling the system with the right refrigerant according to manufacturer specifications.
What’s checked during service
Our service includes checks on:
- The compressor's operation and clutch function
- The condenser's condition and cooling performance
- The evaporator's efficiency and cleanliness
- Hose connections
- System's electrical circuits and pressures
How long does a regas take?
Most AC jobs are completed on the same day. While a regas itself doesn’t take long, we take the time to run a full diagnostic to make sure there’s nothing else wrong with your system. After all, a regas on its own won’t help if there’s a leak somewhere along the way.
Free check-up
If you go ahead with a regas, we offer a free check-up after two weeks. We’ll run a UV light over the AC system to see if any dye is visible. This allows us to find even the smallest of leaks and fix any underlying issues.
Once you come in for your check-up, we guarantee our gas for three months.
Common issues found during servicing
Beyond low refrigerant levels, our technicians often find:
- Leaky hoses or parts that need repairs
- Clogged or dirty cabin air filters
- Worn out or damaged compressors
- System operation affected by electrical problems
Our licensed technicians at Access Auto Electrics & Air Conditioning follow all environmental regulations while making sure your car stays comfortable.
Why Choose Access Auto Electrics & Air Conditioning
Picking the right provider for a regas can feel overwhelming, and you can’t trust any old local mechanic to take care of your AC system.
Licensed technicians and ARC compliance
Our technicians have valid licences that allow us to handle refrigerants legally during repairs and service. You can trust that we’ll never just top up leaking systems without addressing the root cause.
Safe handling of refrigerants
Refrigerants can be harmful to the environment. Our team recovers and handles all refrigerants properly to protect your vehicle and the environment.
Transparent pricing and expert advice
We believe customers deserve clear, upfront pricing without hidden charges. Our team provides detailed quotes and explains your car's needs before starting any work. This approach helps you avoid cheap services that cut corners and get pricey to fix later.
Get the Cold Air Flowing With Access Auto Electrics & Air Conditioning
Your car's air conditioning system needs proper care to keep you comfortable in Australia's harsh weather. If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs, it might be time to book in a regas.
Access Auto Electrics & Air Conditioning is your trusted partner to keep you cool in the cabin. Don't wait till you’re stuck in traffic on a hot summer day. Give us a call if you spot any warning signs or can't remember your last regas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Look out for signs such as warm air blowing from vents, longer cooling times, strange noises when the AC is on, and reduced airflow. If you can't remember the last time you had it serviced, it's likely due for a regas.
We recommend a service and regas every year to keep your system working effectively. However, this can vary depending on usage and the specific make and model of your car.
A typical service includes removing old refrigerant, conducting leak tests, inspecting components like the compressor and condenser, and refilling the system with the correct type and amount of refrigerant.