Air con isn't just for summer. We re-gas, test for leaks, and repair faults so it works when you need it, be it on the motorway or on a frosted morning.
A car air conditioning service covers everything from a straightforward re-gas to leak detection and component repairs. Most drivers notice the problem when the air stops feeling cold or the windscreen takes longer to clear on a cold morning. The fix depends on what is causing it.
The most common reason air con underperforms is refrigerant loss. Systems naturally lose around 100g of gas a year, so over time there is less to cool the air. A re-gas replaces what has been lost and, in most cases, restores the system to normal. Before we recharge your system, we identify which refrigerant your vehicle uses. R134A is used in older vehicles, or R1234YF, which is the standard on most cars built after 2017 and costs more to replace. Getting this right matters, both for the system and for your bill.
If a re-gas does not restore performance, there is usually a leak. We carry out a nitrogen pressure test to check whether the system holds pressure and can use UV dye to pinpoint the source. The three components that most commonly leak or fail are the compressor, which pressurises and circulates the refrigerant; the condenser, which sits at the front of the vehicle and can be damaged by road debris or corrosion; and the evaporator, which sits behind the dashboard and produces the cold air through the vents. We can inspect, carry out repairs, or replace components, depending on what the fault requires.
Rapid tyre replacement for uninterrupted journeys
DVSA-approved MOTs done
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Commercial & Corporate Vehicle Services
Rapid tyre replacement for uninterrupted journeys
DVSA-approved MOTs done
fast and right
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If you notice any of these, bring the car in, and we will take a look.
The most common sign. Typically means the refrigerant has run low, or there is a fault in the system.
If the air coming through the vents is faint, the blower motor or a blocked filter may be the cause.
Rattling or grinding when the air con is switched on can point to a failing compressor.
A musty smell from the vents is usually bacteria on the evaporator. It will not clear on its own.
Air con removes moisture from inside the cabin. If it is not working, de-misting takes longer and visibility suffers.
A working air conditioning system does more than keep you comfortable. In summer, it pulls warm air from the cabin and replaces it with cooler air. In winter, it works harder than most drivers realise. Running the air con draws moisture out of the cabin air, which means your windscreen clears faster and stays clear longer. If the system is not working, de-misting takes longer, and your view takes longer to clear on cold mornings.
Booking early in the season means the system is ready when you need it. A re-gas takes less than an hour in most cases. If the system needs a repair, finding the fault while the weather is still mild is better than discovering it on the first cold morning of autumn.
If your car is due for an MOT at the same time, we can often combine both visits to save you time.
For most journeys, a broken air con system is not an immediate safety risk. The concern is visibility. In cold or wet weather, air con helps clear the windscreen faster by removing moisture from the cabin. Without it, de-misting takes longer, which can delay your departure or reduce visibility while you wait.
In summer, a hot cabin affects concentration on longer journeys. Particularly with children or elderly passengers.
If you notice the air con has stopped working, book it in before the season changes.
