What are the side effects of automotive air conditioning leak sealants?
2 Answers
Long-term use of automotive leak sealants can cause radiator corrosion and easily clog engine water passages. After applying leak sealants, a membrane forms on the inner wall of the radiator, increasing its thickness. Therefore, automotive leak sealants should only be used as emergency solutions. Below are specific details about the effectiveness of automotive air conditioning leak sealants: 1. Short-term effectiveness: In many cases, air conditioning refrigerant leaks occur due to aging or deformed sealing rings. Most leak sealants work by causing rubber seals to expand and fill gaps. This method can show obvious short-term results, but leaks will eventually recur over time, necessitating seal replacement. 2. Ineffectiveness: If refrigerant leaks are caused by punctured holes in air conditioning pipelines, leak sealants won't work at all. In such cases, leak detection, hole repair, or pipeline replacement is required.
Last time my car's air conditioning had an issue, I tried using a leak sealant as a quick fix, and it ended up causing me a lot of trouble. I thought it would save time and money, but less than a month later, the AC completely stopped cooling. When I took it to the repair shop, the technician said the solidified sealant had clogged the evaporator pipes, causing the compressor to overload and fail. Cleaning it up was particularly troublesome—the entire system had to be disassembled, and in the end, new parts had to be replaced, costing twice as much as a direct repair would have. The lesson here is that such products only temporarily mask minor leaks, but the residue can accumulate, leading to more failures and even polluting the cabin air. I advise friends not to cut corners—getting a professional leak detection and seal early on is the right approach to ensure safety and performance. Also, pay attention to the AC's operating sounds and cooling efficiency regularly, and address any abnormalities promptly.
