How to Check for Refrigerant Leak in Car Air Conditioning?
2 Answers
How to confirm if the car air conditioning is leaking refrigerant? Generally, if the cooling effect of the compressor is not as good as before, it is judged as a refrigerant leak. For air conditioning refrigerant leaks, it is only judged from the cooling effect. If you can hear the sound of the refrigerant leaking, then the refrigerant will leak out instantly. After identifying the leak point, welding repair can be used to fix cracks and pinholes in the air conditioning pipes. After confirming that the repaired air conditioning pipe no longer leaks, vacuum exhaust should be performed, which means evacuating the gas and moisture from the air conditioning pipeline. After the air conditioning pipeline undergoes vacuum exhaust, refrigerant is added again, and the air conditioning can then resume normal operation.
To locate refrigerant leaks in car air conditioning systems, start with the basics. When I first learned auto repair, my mentor taught me the soap bubble test method: First pressurize the AC system to normal operating range, then spray diluted soapy water from a small spray bottle onto all potential leak points - such as compressor fittings, condenser gaps, or refrigerant line connections. Carefully observe for bubble formation. Areas with persistent bubbles indicate leak locations. If soap bubbles aren't conclusive, try adding UV fluorescent dye to the system, run the AC for a while, then inspect with a UV lamp - leaks will glow green or yellow. This method is simple, inexpensive, and can be done at home. Important: Wear protective gloves as refrigerants can harm skin. If no leaks are detected, there might be microscopic internal cracks requiring professional electronic leak detectors at a repair shop. Don't delay repairs - refrigerant leaks not only reduce cooling efficiency but also waste energy. Early detection means safer and more cost-effective solutions.
