Air Conditioning Service & Re-gas
We offer air conditioning servicing (often referred to as re-gassing or a re-gas). We offer both R134a and R1234yf refrigerants so we should be able to cater for any car or van.
At The Garage Howden, all air conditioning repair and air conditioning services are handled by knowledgeable technicians. All of our technicians have completed training through UK certified and approved AC programs. Your car is in good hands, they will examine your vehicles’ air-con system to see if there is a leak – and if there is, they’ll stop it in its tracks before it can affect anything else.
How will I know if my air-con needs re-gassing?
The first sign that your air-con needs re-gassing is that the air being blown from the vents is not as cool as it used to be, or it doesn’t feel any different to when the AC is switched off.
If you can’t remember the last time the system was re-gassed, it’s probably worth doing.
How often should I get my air-con re-gassed?
Most manufacturers recommend you service your car’s air-con every two years or so, but many people wait until it’s not blowing cold air.
This is unlikely to cause any major harm, but bear in mind that poorly functioning air-con will make it more difficult to demist windows in winter and could work the engine harder, thus using more fuel, so it’s not worth putting off a system check. The air-con system also contains oil that lubricates the seals. If you don’t use it regularly (or run the system without gas) the seals can dry up, leading to leaks. If this happens a simple re-gas will not cure the issue as it will leak straight back out.
What is refrigerant and are there different types?
The refrigerant is what we refer to as ‘the gas’ for your air-con system. It contains both an inert gas and a special type of oil to lubricate the system as a whole.
There are two main types of refrigerant:
- R134a
- R1234yf
Cars registered between 1995 and late 2016/early 2017 are likely to use an R134a system, whereas those registered after will likely use an R1234yf system. If you are unsure, it will tell you in your vehicle handbook.
What if my car is older than 1995?
If your car was registered before 1995, then the air-con system would likely have originally run on R12 refrigerant (also known as Freon). This gas is no longer available due to its environmental impacts. If your car has been re-gassed since it has likely been converted to R134a – look for any stickers under the bonnet to indicate as such. If it’s been converted, then it can be re-gassed using standard R134a gas.
If your vehicle hasn’t been converted, our sister company TG Classics can likely assist.
We understand vehicle maintenance and repairs are an inconvenience and a financial burden.
Our job at the The Garage Howden is to make your experience with us as convenient, transparent and of the highest quality possible, which is why we offer you:
- Collection and return of your vehicle, at your convenience, for no additional cost (within a 12-mile radius) - this applies to services, service and MOT packages, and repairs; excluding motorbikes.
- Courtesy cars available on request
- Written, itemised and jargon-free quotations as standard (if any work is required)
- 15% discount for NHS, teachers and other emergency services staff
- Comfortable and heated waiting area with complimentary drinks, biscuits and WiFi
- Clean dedicated customer toilets with disabled access
- Split any invoice over £199 into 3, 6 or 12 interest-free instalments