Do you service auto A/C? Regardless if you're a pro or an auto enthusiast, if you service auto A/C you need the Auto A/C Connection!™ It's a perpetual book that provides loads of information, charge capacities and more! Best of all, it's free! Get your copy of the Auto A/C Connection!™ right now.
There are several reasons why finding all the leaks in your auto A/C system is really important. For one, did you know that running your A/C compressor without a full charge of refrigerant (freon) could cause catastrophic failure like a seized compressor? It can! But consider all the reasons why you should be sure to find all the leaks in your air conditioning system. They are :
1) The economy of it : The worldwide market for automotive refrigerants has changed, so have the costs. It is simply no longer economical to let leaking auto A/C systems continue to leak refrigerant.
2) The Law : The use and handling of refrigerants has become a very serious environmental topic. In some jurisdictions, it is against the law to ‘knowingly’ leak refrigerants into the atmosphere.
3) Catastrophic failure of the A/C System : Yes, did you know that although leaking A/C systems may not perform really well (because the refrigerant level is not enough to produce proper cooling performance) you could actually create a catastrophic failure very easily! (Catastrophic failure being a seized compressor) What is really important to understand is that this can happen a lot quicker on late model vehicles because the total system capacity. Consider that the same refrigerant that cools the vehicle (in the evaporator) is returned to the compressor as a low pressure refrigerant to provide cooling for the A/C compressor. It’s also important to understand that moving parts in the compressor must be lubricated. As all the refrigerant oil in the A/C system is carried or circulated with the refrigerant, the A/C compressor relies totally on that circulation of oil for all of it’s lubrication. The simple fact that you could easily (and quickly) seize an A/C compressor (without warning) is one of the most compelling reasons to have all A/C system leaks repaired.
4) Proper A/C System Performance : Only the ‘full spec’ factory charge of refrigerant in an A/C system will assure proper cooling performance. On some systems a leak as small as 2-3 oz. per year can seriously effect the cooling performance, specially on hot, humid days. The quick loss of cooling performance has become far more noticeable on newer vehicles where the total system charge could be as low as 16-20 oz. A loss of 3 oz. could represent almost 20% of the system charge.
5) The Environment : It’s important to understand that, regardless of the refrigerant that you charge with, almost all of the ‘accepted’ refrigerants have some effect on our environment. Whether it be depletion of the ozone layer (as with CFC’s like R-12) or global warming issues as with HFC’s (like R-134a), leaking refrigerants to atmosphere will have serious effects on the environment for all of us.
Recommended Auto A/C Information...
Recommended eBooks
The most comprehensive auto A/C manuals available! Get them all... or get just the sections you need!
Just got back from the parts store with freon and you're not sure? Don't take chances! If you're not sure about adding refrigerant or using gauges, you could make a mistake that could cost thousands to fix or worse, you could get hurt! See the A/CE™ Start Series manuals that show you everything you need to know to do the job safely!
