How to Deal with Refrigerant Leakage in a Car?
3 Answers
Upon detecting refrigerant leakage in a car, the first step is to identify the specific location and cause of the leakage. Commonly used methods include visual inspection, soap bubble test, electronic leak detection, water immersion test, and fluorescent dye detection. After determining the leakage situation, have it checked by professionals and recharge the refrigerant after repairing or replacing the relevant components.
A couple of days ago, I noticed the AC in my car wasn't cooling at all. After a mechanic's inspection, it turned out to be a refrigerant leak. Here's how to handle this issue step by step: First, locate the leak point. The mechanic will spray soapy water on pipe connections and the condenser to look for bubbles, or use UV light with fluorescent leak detector to identify the leak. The repair method depends on the situation—if it's a loose joint, it needs tightening with a new seal; if the condenser has a hole, it must be replaced entirely; aging rubber hoses require full replacement as well. After the repair, a vacuum process is necessary to remove all air and moisture before refilling with the exact amount of refrigerant specified for the vehicle model. Important reminder: if the AC fails while driving, don't attempt to add refrigerant yourself as it can be extremely dangerous near open flames. Always seek professional help from a reliable repair shop for such issues.
Last time I encountered a refrigerant leakage case during car repair, and realized this type of issue requires systematic troubleshooting. First check for oil stains on the AC lines - leaking refrigerant oil leaves traces. Pay special attention to weak points like the compressor shaft seal, condenser fins, and high-pressure pipe connections. Small leaks can be welded, but damaged components must be replaced with OEM parts, especially the receiver-drier which must be changed simultaneously. After leak repair, use professional equipment to vacuum the system for at least 30 minutes to ensure dryness before refrigerant recharge. Finally, remind owners to have technicians check AC pressure during routine maintenance to detect slow leaks early.
