What Causes Car Refrigerant Leakage?
3 Answers
Car refrigerant leakage can be caused by the following reasons: 1. Pipeline failure: When laying the connecting pipes between the indoor and outdoor units of the air conditioner, if the bending angle of the pipes is too small, it may cause the pipes to crack and leak refrigerant or result in no refrigerant. It is necessary to appropriately increase the bending radius of the pipes to prevent them from being bent too sharply. For pipes that are leaking refrigerant, timely repair or replacement is required. 2. Leak points in the refrigeration system: When replacing components of the refrigeration system, if the secondary installation of the components is not tight, it may lead to refrigerant leakage in the pipes and the refrigeration system. Apply a not-too-thick soapy water solution to the entire refrigeration system pipeline and areas with welding points for leak detection. The testing conditions require the refrigeration system to be filled with refrigerant. Pay close attention to inspecting areas with oil stains on the pipes, identify the leak points one by one, and repair or replace the components based on the actual situation.
As a long-time car owner, I can say that Freon leaks are often caused by aging air conditioning systems. The evaporator is prone to corrosion or cracks, especially for vehicles frequently driven in humid environments. Hoses or connections can also become loose and worn out over time, as the rubber hardens and loses elasticity, leading to leaks when the car bumps. Small components like O-rings may also lose their sealing ability with age. I've experienced this myself—suddenly, the AC stopped cooling, and upon inspection, it turned out to be a leaking connection. Another possible cause is minor collisions that squeeze and deform the pipes. It's important to regularly inspect the AC hoses and connections for oil stains or unusual odors. Freon leaks not only affect cooling performance but can also lead to excessive pressure in the system, potentially damaging the compressor. I recommend checking the AC system every six months or 10,000 kilometers to prevent small issues from becoming big ones. If you find a problem, get it professionally recharged and repaired as soon as possible to avoid higher costs down the line.
I pay close attention to vehicle details. Freon leaks are often caused by condenser damage. For example, road pebbles or other objects hitting the condenser surface can scratch the metal tubing walls, or a faulty fan can lead to poor heat dissipation, causing the system to overheat and develop cracks. Additionally, aging compressor shaft seals can result in reduced sealing performance and slow leaks. After winter disuse, the system might develop minor leak points due to freezing. My own car once experienced a leak due to corroded connectors from prolonged exposure to high temperatures. When Freon is completely lost, the air conditioning stops working, and you waste money on recharging the refrigerant. I recommend a quick check of AC components during each car wash, watching for unusual noises or oil stains. Early intervention can prevent secondary damage, such as compressor burnout. A comprehensive inspection before summer ensures peace of mind and safety.
