Many Experts would say, before you recharge it, have your system check by a professional if there is a leak.


In my case, there is no leak. Car is still rather "new" and blows cold. So what's the question then... Car is just under 5 years old.


I live in an area where the ground temp is around 133 degrees (yes, that's on Earth), that what you actually feel. So we run the AC a lot.


From what I understand, the Freon (R134 or whatever it is now) also acts as a lubricant to the system. So rather then wait....until the AC is not cold, low on lube, etc, I figure I should be proactive and add some.


So my question is, is the AC system something sort of delicate?


Meaning, if nothing is "wrong" it's better that I don't touch it. Touch it, and it may develop a leak or some kind - because the factory seal is broken...something like that...I don't know, that's why I'm asking first.


WWYD?

 

if it works and you mess with it you risk breaking it.

the lubricant is the oil in the system, not the refrigerant.

ac systems are designed to work in certain pressure ranges, it is most effective in the middle to low end of that range. when the pressure is too low the system will not activate. when it is too high it will not activate, or the pressure relief valve will open and drain your system. In addition the higher pressure will not perform as well.

there are two ways to check the ac system, one is by high side and low side pressure with a gauge set. this determines if the systme is full enough or too full. the second way to check performance is using a refrigerant chart, humidity, inlet and outlet temperature. its best to use the chart fond in your service manual, it will let you know if it is not blowing as cold as the specifications say you should be seeing.

if your system is not leaking, the compressor is not worn out, you are more likely to damage something putting one of those cans of r134a with big flashy bullshit promises into it.

 

Thank you....

 

All mobile AC sytems leak. Brand new from the factory. In fact there are EPA guidelines for what the acceptable amount of leakage is. This is why vehicles need periodic recharging, and since most systems usually carry no more than 1 pound of refrigerant nowadays,even a loss of a few ounces can adversely affect AC performance.



You are correct, the refrigerant charge carries the oil in it. So if youd like to do preventive maintenance,then have a shop evac and recharge the system for you. DO NOT use parts store refrigerant because the all have sealant inside of them that will cause severe damage to most if not all of your AC systems components at some point in the vehicles life.....

 

Thanks.