How Often Should Car Air Conditioning Refrigerant Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Car air conditioning refrigerant, also known as coolant, generally needs to be replaced every 5-8 years, assuming the car's air conditioning system is of normal quality. This excludes low-quality air conditioning systems or used cars. Reasons why car air conditioning frequently requires refrigerant replenishment: 1. Condenser and Radiator: The cooling efficiency of the condenser and radiator also affects the performance of the air conditioning. Prolonged lack of cleaning can lead to the condenser and radiator being covered by debris and dust. 2. Quality of the Expansion Valve: The expansion valve is a crucial component in the refrigeration system, typically installed between the liquid storage tank and the evaporator. A low-quality expansion valve can prevent the refrigerant from functioning effectively. 3. Use of Refrigerant: During the refrigerant charging process, the amount of refrigerant must be neither too much nor too little. Too little results in insufficient pressure in the air conditioning pipes, while too much leads to excessive pressure. In both cases, the air conditioning system will fail to operate and cool properly.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have some real experience with AC refrigerant. Refrigerant is actually the cooling agent in air conditioning systems, and in a properly sealed system it doesn't get depleted - there's absolutely no need for regular replacement. But if your car is getting old, with aging AC lines developing leaks, or if the AC system was repaired after an accident, then cooling efficiency will definitely drop. In such cases, you should first check for leaks, fix the leak points, and then recharge the refrigerant. New cars basically don't require attention to this - just wait 5-6 years until you feel the cooling isn't strong enough before checking. When using AC normally, pay attention to switching between recirculation modes. Simply test the vent temperature before each summer - no need to waste money frequently replacing refrigerant.
