What to Do When the Car Air Conditioning Pipeline Leaks Refrigerant?
2 Answers
Here are the methods to solve the issue of refrigerant leakage in the car air conditioning pipeline: 1. First, inject some fluorescent dye into the pipeline to locate the specific area of the refrigerant leakage. 2. After identifying the leak, welding can be used to repair cracks or pinholes in the air conditioning pipeline. If there is a leak in the air conditioning system, components such as the air conditioning pipe joints, condenser, evaporator, dryer, and compressor should be inspected by spraying soapy water to locate and repair or replace the leaking parts. 3. If the crack in the air conditioning pipeline is large, replace it with a new pipeline and then recharge it with new refrigerant. After replacement, re-pressurize and check for leaks again. Only after confirming there are no leaks, proceed to vacuum and recharge the refrigerant.
I've experienced car AC refrigerant leaks several times. After long drives, the AC suddenly stops cooling, which is definitely a sign of refrigerant leakage. The causes are usually aging pipes, loose connections, or corrosion, especially in the undercarriage area where pipes are vulnerable to stone impacts. First, don't panic—turn off the AC switch to prevent compressor damage from dry running. Then do a simple external pipe inspection by spraying soapy water on suspicious spots to check for bubbles. For minor leaks, emergency sealants can be used temporarily, but they're not a long-term solution. It's best to visit a professional repair shop. They use UV detectors to precisely locate leaks, then vacuum the system, repair or replace pipes, and finally recharge refrigerant with pressure testing to ensure no leaks. Delaying repairs reduces AC efficiency and may damage the compressor, costing thousands to replace. My routine maintenance includes checking the AC system every six months, cleaning contaminants, and ensuring lubrication—preventing small issues saves major trouble later.
