What is the best method for quickly detecting and repairing refrigerant leaks in car air conditioning systems?
2 Answers
The best method for quickly detecting and repairing refrigerant leaks in car air conditioning systems is as follows: 1. Connect the refrigerant gauge to the air conditioning system (both high and low pressure pipes), perform vacuuming, and choose low-pressure vacuuming (rotate the switch corresponding to the low-pressure gauge counterclockwise, while the high-pressure gauge switch should remain closed). Generally, there's no need to monitor the negative pressure value during vacuuming; 3 minutes of vacuuming is sufficient. After the time is up, tighten the low-pressure gauge switch, and then you can connect the refrigerant tank for charging (again, do not touch the high-pressure switch, only open the low-pressure switch). 2. If you are unsure about the amount of refrigerant to add (as it varies by vehicle model), you don't need to worry about this during the charging process. Simply observe the pressure value displayed on the refrigerant gauge. Typically, the high pressure in a car air conditioning system is around 150, and the low pressure is around 30 (these values are indicated on the gauge). This represents the optimal pressure state for most air conditioning systems.
I often repair my car's air conditioning system myself. When encountering rapid refrigerant leaks, the best method is to first add fluorescent dye into the system and let it circulate for a few days. Then, use a UV light to inspect the entire AC piping - the leak points will glow very noticeably. Simultaneously, check all joints and O-rings as they become brittle and prone to leakage when aged. If the leak can't be located, promptly visit a professional repair shop where they can use electronic leak detectors to pinpoint even the smallest leaks more accurately. For prevention, I recommend checking refrigerant pressure every six months to maintain system integrity, and avoid prolonged AC operation in high-temperature environments to reduce component wear.
