Air Con Re-gassing in Tyne and Wear

Car air conditioning is a sealed system. The refrigerant inside is not used up like fuel, so in theory it should last indefinitely. In practice, tiny amounts escape over time through seals, hoses and joints, and eventually the system cannot cool the cabin as it should.

At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn we re-gas air conditioning for drivers across Tyne and Wear. This page explains what the job actually involves, so you can tell a proper re-gas from a quick top-up that will not last.

Signs your system needs re-gassing

The most common sign is gradual. The air still comes out, but it takes longer to cool the car, or it never gets properly cold on a warm day.

A system gone completely warm may have lost its refrigerant or have a separate fault, which is why an inspection comes first.

• Cooling that has slowly got weaker over months
• Air that is cool on the motorway but warm in traffic
• Misting that is slow to clear in damp weather

What the job involves

A proper re-gas starts by recovering whatever refrigerant is left, so the system can be measured rather than guessed at. The system is then put under vacuum, which removes moisture and air and gives a first indication of whether it holds pressure.

The correct amount of refrigerant, and where applicable lubricant, is then put back in line with the vehicle's specification. Finally the system is run and checked. Refrigerant type and quantity vary by vehicle, so we work from the manufacturer's data.

What affects the outcome and the cost

The cost depends on the refrigerant your vehicle uses, the amount it holds, and whether anything else is found. We explain the position at the estimate before work goes ahead.

The bigger factor is leakage. If the system lost gas because of a failing seal, a perforated condenser or a worn hose, a recharge on its own may only buy a limited amount of time. Where we suspect a leak we can carry out air-con diagnostics, and any repair is a separate decision for you.

• Refrigerant type and system capacity
• How quickly the previous gas was lost
• Whether a leak is found and where
• Condition of the compressor and condenser

What to expect and when to hold back

Tell us how the system behaves and whether it has been recharged before. Repeated recharges are a strong hint of a leak.

If the compressor has failed or the system has been opened up and left empty for a long period, a re-gas may not be the right first step. We will say so rather than put gas into a system that cannot keep it. Whether a fault can be repaired depends on inspection.