recharge kit void my car’s warranty
Imagine being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic on a hot summer day and, out of nowhere, your air conditioning suddenly stops blowing cold air. If your system is low on refrigerant, you can stop by a car parts store and pick up an a/c recharge kit. However, you should be aware that this is only a temporary fix for an underlying issue and may even make the problem worse. If you have a major leak, it’s best to take your car in for professional A/C service.
A car’s air conditioning is a closed system, which means that there shouldn’t be any refrigerant leaking out unless there’s a problem. An a/c recharge kit can’t do anything to prevent leaks because it adds refrigerant but doesn’t address any other issues. The best a/c recharge kits also include a sealant to eliminate any small leaks in the system.
One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for an a/c car recharge kit is its compatibility with your car’s A/C ports and hoses. While many of these kits say they’re compatible with most vehicles, you should read the product description and customer reviews carefully to be sure it’s a good fit for your specific model and year. You should also look for a kit that uses the same type of refrigerant that your car’s A/C system uses. Most newer cars use a different kind of refrigerant than older models, and using the wrong refrigerant can damage your compressor or hoses.
Will using a recharge kit void my car’s warranty?
It’s also a good idea to choose a kit that includes a pressure gauge and an adapter for the quick-connect fitting on the can of refrigerant you buy. The gauge helps you keep track of how much refrigerant is being used and ensures that you don’t overfill the system. The adapter fits on most cans of R134a (the most common off-the-shelf refrigerant) but doesn’t work with newer, ozone-friendly types of refrigerant that are commonly found in hybrid and electric cars.
The InterDynamics AC Pro is a basic kit that combines an a/c recharge can, hose and pressure gauge all in one. This is a great option for people who need a simple solution and prefer to avoid the extra hassle and expense of visiting a mechanic. The can has a plastic safety disc that needs to be removed and discarded before adding the refrigerant, and the gauge adapter attaches to the low-pressure port of your vehicle’s A/C system.
Another top-rated kit, the DuPont refrigerant recharge bundle is a great choice for drivers who want to save money and time. The kit comes with three eight-ounce cans of R1234yf (the refrigerant that replaced R134a in most vehicles over the last decade), a hose and a pressure gauge. The hose is braided to help prevent puncture from sharp or oddly-placed objects under the hood and has a trigger dispenser that makes it easier to control the flow. The kit also includes a UV dye that can help you find any hidden leaks after recharging the system.