How to Check for Refrigerant Leakage in a Car?
2 Answers
Methods for checking refrigerant leakage in a car: When the air conditioning is working normally, if bubbles continue to appear in the sight glass, it indicates a lack of refrigerant, which needs to be replenished; if there are no bubbles in the sight glass when the air conditioning stops, and no temporary bubbles appear, it indicates an excess of refrigerant, which needs to be discharged; if there are no bubbles in the sight glass when the air conditioning is working normally, but temporary bubbles appear when it stops, it indicates the refrigerant level is normal. Additional information: A method to determine if a car has a refrigerant leak is to place a regular thermometer 10cm away from the air outlet and inlet of the air conditioning unit, measuring the temperature at both locations. If the temperature difference is greater than 7°C, it indicates the air conditioning is functioning normally; otherwise, there may be a refrigerant leak.
I've been driving for many years and have encountered refrigerant leaks in the air conditioning system several times. The simplest inspection method is to first test the cooling effect: if the airflow isn't cold or the temperature drops slowly, it might indicate a refrigerant leak. Then check the connection pipes under the car chassis or in the engine compartment - oil stains are often found there because refrigerant leakage carries away lubricating oil. If you spot suspicious areas, apply soapy water to the joints; bubbles forming indicate a leak point. Don't forget to inspect high-pressure components like the condenser and compressor, as they're common leakage sources. Regular maintenance is crucial - I perform a self-check every year before summer to avoid sudden AC failure during long drives. The whole process doesn't require professional tools, just soapy water, making it cost-effective and efficient. Always watch for cracks or aging in AC pipes and address issues promptly to prevent problems.
