How to Release Pressure in Car Air Conditioning?

[VonWyatt]

Release some refrigerant or completely discharge and refill it. Discharge all refrigerant, use a machine to extract excess refrigeration oil, and refill the refrigerant. Clean surface stains and pipes of the condenser. If poor heat dissipation is caused by condenser aging, replacement is recommended.

[SanLilah]

I often repair cars myself, and releasing AC pressure requires caution. The system contains refrigerant like R134a—you can't just open the valve directly, or it'll spray out, risking frostbite or environmental contamination. I use a manifold gauge set: first connect the red and blue hoses to the high/low-pressure service ports, then slowly open the vent valve to let the refrigerant flow into the recovery tank. Keep the engine off during the process to avoid pressure surges damaging components. Wear gloves and goggles to protect against accidental leaks. Remember, only repair parts (e.g., replacing the compressor) after fully depressurizing. Beginners should never attempt this—mistakes can easily ruin the AC. Regular maintenance checks on pipes help prevent leaks requiring pressure release. If inexperienced, spend a bit at a professional shop for safety.