What Type of Refrigerant is Used in Car Air Conditioning?
3 Answers
Currently, R134a refrigerant is predominantly used, while vehicles still running on R12 refrigerant are likely very rare. Here are some key points about car air conditioning refrigerants: 1. Function of Refrigerant: The role of car air conditioning refrigerant is to lower the temperature of the air inside the vehicle. 2. Principle of Refrigerant: The refrigerant circulates continuously within the cooling system and achieves cooling through changes in its own state. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the medium being cooled in the evaporator and vaporizes, then transfers heat to the surrounding air or water in the condenser to achieve the cooling effect.
Last time my car's AC wasn't cooling properly, so I took it to the shop for inspection. The technician said it needed a refrigerant recharge. He told me most vehicles nowadays use R134a refrigerant, especially for older cars like mine that are about ten years old. However, he also warned that post-2015 models might require the more environmentally friendly R1234yf type, and using the wrong one could damage the compressor. He emphasized checking the entire AC system for leaks before recharging - I watched him use fluorescent dye to locate a small crack at a joint, which had to be repaired first. The whole process requires professional vacuum equipment to remove air, as any remaining air would compromise cooling efficiency. The technician advised regular condenser cleaning to prolong refrigerant lifespan.
As a mechanic who has repaired air conditioning systems in over a thousand vehicles, I've seen it all. The mainstream refrigerant currently used is R134a, especially for vehicles manufactured between 2000 and 2015 which predominantly use this type. However, when dealing with newer European models like Mercedes-Benz or BMW, you'll need to switch to R1234yf due to stricter environmental regulations. During operation, it's crucial to perform a strict vacuum process and precisely control the pressure gauge readings between 250 to 350 kPa. Last week, a car owner tried adding refrigerant using cans purchased online but mixed different types, resulting in complete compressor failure. I recommend checking the pipeline sealing every three years or so, as rubber gaskets can deteriorate and cause refrigerant leaks. If you notice a sour smell from the air vents, immediate inspection and repair are necessary.
