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Refilling your car’s air conditioning may not be as difficult as it seems. You can accomplish this task on your own by using specialized air conditioning refill kits. These kits have been designed with the most demanding drivers in mind, ensuring they can enjoy cool air in their cars for a long time. Additionally, air conditioning gauges and refrigerants are readily available on the market. How can you perform a DIY air conditioning refill? What are the characteristics of air conditioning gauges? What are the benefits of using R12 refrigerant?
Air Conditioning Refill
Refilling your car’s air conditioning on your own is possible in virtually every case. All you need is an efficient and effective air conditioning refill kit. Manufacturers have made sure that even beginners can handle this task. How can you refill your car’s air conditioning? This process won’t take more than a few minutes. It involves the following steps:
- Locate the low-pressure valve, which is usually situated near the air conditioning compressor.
- Attach the refrigerant container or the sealant to your air conditioning system, depending on your needs.
- Use a gauge that should indicate the required pressure, usually shown in green.
You should fill your air conditioning to the appropriate pressure level to ensure effective cooling.
As you can see, air conditioning refilling usually doesn’t take long. The products available are designed to provide fast and efficient performance for your car’s air conditioning system. This eliminates the need for frequent visits to an auto service center and saves money on professional services. Air conditioning refill kits are becoming increasingly popular among drivers.
Air Conditioning Gauges
Car AC gauges are also popular and offer many benefits. The hose with a gauge is invaluable in the process of refilling your air conditioning system. When you connect it to the low-pressure valve, you can obtain pressure readings. Fortunately, you can use the gauge multiple times, reducing environmental waste. Customers also benefit from diagnostic charts and user manuals. The gauge’s markings come in three colors:
- Red – Indicates that the system’s pressure is too high (above 55 psi). In this case, it’s recommended to lower the pressure in the air conditioning system.
- Green – Represents the correct pressure for the air conditioning system, which is typically 25-55 psi. It ensures that the system has been refilled correctly. In case of pressure loss, it’s recommended to use a sealant.
- White – Indicates that the pressure in the system is too low (less than 25 psi).
In such a situation, you need to add refrigerant to the system until the gauge reads within the green zone. It is advisable to use a sealant first and then top up the refrigerant.
As you can see, using the gauge allows you to determine the appropriate pressure level in your system.
R12 Refrigerant
There are various versions of refrigerants for automotive air conditioning systems. Noteworthy among them is the R12 refrigerant, which is worth knowing about. Interestingly, until 1994, this refrigerant was highly popular among car AC fillers. It was known for its efficiency and attractive price, making it widely used by car manufacturers. However, it was later discovered that R12 could be hazardous to the upper layers of the atmosphere. As a result, this type of refrigerant is no longer widely used. Drivers turn to it when using classic cars or vehicles older than 30 years. This is a relatively rare occurrence because most of these vehicles are equipped with modern air conditioning systems, which are subject to EPA restrictions. See R12 R134a adapter.
You can easily find reliable air conditioning refill kits and gauges in an online store. Their wide range of products and low prices are the main advantages of such a place.