What is the correct method for adding refrigerant to a car?
2 Answers
Automotive air conditioning refrigerant, commonly referred to as car refrigerant, is mainly divided into two types: environmentally friendly 134a and non-environmentally friendly R12. The correct method for adding refrigerant to a car is as follows: 1. After the system is vacuumed, close the high and low pressure manual valves on the manifold pressure gauge. 2. Connect one end of the middle hose to the joint of the refrigerant tank injection valve, open the refrigerant tank valve, then loosen the nut at one end of the manifold pressure gauge hose to allow gas to escape for a few minutes, and then tighten the nut. 3. Fully open the high-pressure side manual valve and invert the refrigerant tank. 4. Inject the specified amount of liquid refrigerant from the high-pressure side, close the refrigerant tank injection valve and the high-pressure manual valve on the manifold pressure gauge, then remove the gauge. When adding refrigerant to the system from the high-pressure side, ensure the engine is not running, and do not open the low-pressure manual valve on the manifold pressure gauge to prevent hydraulic shock.
Regarding the correct method of adding automotive refrigerant, as someone who has been repairing cars for years, I recommend you proceed as follows: First, ensure the system is leak-free by checking connections with an electronic detector or soapy water; then wear protective gloves and goggles, as the low temperature of the refrigerant can cause frostbite. Next, connect a vacuum pump to evacuate the system for about 15-20 minutes to remove moisture and air. Use a pressure gauge to add the appropriate amount of refrigerant according to the vehicle manual, such as R134a or R1234yf, avoiding overfilling to prevent compressor damage. Finally, test the air conditioning system to ensure it operates correctly. For DIY, I often use a refrigerant charging kit, but overcharging can lead to system blockage or poor cooling performance, so beginners are better off visiting a professional repair shop, which has recovery equipment to minimize environmental impact. In short, safety first—don’t skip steps to save time.
