How Much Refrigerant Should Be Added to a Car?

[VanKarter]

Generally, small cars require between 450g to 600g, while some SUVs need between 600g to 1000g. Below is relevant information: 1. Function: Refrigerant, also known as coolant or commonly referred to as "snow seed" in some southern regions, is a working substance that continuously circulates within the refrigeration system and achieves cooling through changes in its own state. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the cooled medium (such as water or air) in the evaporator and vaporizes, then releases heat to the surrounding air or water in the condenser and condenses. 2. Leakage: As long as there is no leakage, the car's refrigerant never needs to be replenished. When a refrigerant leak occurs, it is necessary not only to identify the cause of the leak but also to promptly replenish the missing refrigerant.

[Miller]

I've been driving for most of my life, and you can't just casually add refrigerant to your car's AC system. The right amount depends on the vehicle's condition and environment. Generally speaking, you want the low-side pressure gauge reading between 25 to 45 PSI. The hotter it is outside, the higher the pressure should be—during summer heat, it might reach around 40 PSI. I once overfilled mine, which damaged the compressor and cost me unnecessary repair money. It's best to check the vehicle manual or have a professional shop test it—they have the expertise to adjust it precisely. The AC should cool just right; too little won't chill properly, while too much is wasteful and can damage the system. Remember, regular AC checks save a lot of hassle, making summer drives much more comfortable.

[Kathy]

I just recharged my car's AC refrigerant myself, and it's not as complicated as it seems. Just connect a pressure gauge to the low-pressure port and keep the reading between 25 to 45 PSI. At an ambient temperature of 30°C, maintaining around 35 PSI is ideal. Don't overdo it—overcharging can cause the condenser to freeze up and might even damage the compressor. I once added too much, and the AC performed poorly while emitting smoke. To save money, you can DIY with canned refrigerant, but if the amount isn't right, it's better to visit a repair shop. By the way, don't forget to regularly replace the cabin air filter—it affects cooling efficiency. Keeping the system balanced is key to staying cool all summer.

[Simon]

I've been repairing cars for over a decade, and adding refrigerant must be precise. The standard is a low-pressure gauge reading of 25 to 45 PSI. It might be lower in cold environments and higher in hot weather. Verify by feeling the air vent temperature—it should be cool but not freezing. Overcharging puts excessive load on the compressor, leading to damage; undercharging causes poor circulation. It's best to use professional tools for testing or adjust the pressure in a workshop. Related maintenance, such as cleaning the pipes, can extend the lifespan. Car owners shouldn't attempt this blindly—safety comes first.