Air Con: Are aircon recharge bottles ineffective?

[Verracciii]

Hey, so I was having this dicussion the other day with a friend of mine. I told him I'm taking my car to Halfords to get my aircon topped up because its a bit ineffective and I know Halfords use these AC Pro recharge bottles. He kept telling me that after he took his car to the mechanic due to the AC being completely empty, the mechanic said that these recharge bottles are rubbish and don't do anything, they only last for a short amount and its a waste of money. He also said that they don't have enough pressure to do the whole system and then something about oil in the AC system. I've worked in Halfords recharging aircons and we only ever connect to the low pressure line just to top it up, I don't understand what he means?

[GrahamBrown1]

Yes your friend is correct. How do you know how much to add, how much is in the system, is the gas the correct type. To much pressure will do damage as will lack of lubrication. If the system has a leak it needs to be repaired and then vacuumed out to dry the system. You also have be qualified to work on AC systems with refrigerant handling.

[Joe Harding]

Yes, don't bother. They don't have lubricating oil in with them. Your system will start working again because the pressure is back up but fail more dismally afterwards due to compressor seizing up. Ask me how I know...

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Verracciii

Hey, so I was having this dicussion the other day with a friend of mine. I told him I'm taking my car to Halfords to get my aircon topped up because its a bit ineffective and I know Halfords use these AC Pro recharge bottles. He kept telling me that after he took his car to the mechanic due to the AC being completely empty, the mechanic said that these recharge bottles are rubbish and don't do anything, they only last for a short amount and its a waste of money. He also said that they don't have enough pressure to do the whole system and then something about oil in the AC system. I've worked in Halfords recharging aircons and we only ever connect to the low pressure line just to top it up, I don't understand what he means?

The law changed in 2010 It is illegal t work on the gas systems unless you have a certificate and are registered , there is a fine of up to £40,000 for willingly letting any refrigerant gas into the atmosphere.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Verracciii

Hey, so I was having this dicussion the other day with a friend of mine. I told him I'm taking my car to Halfords to get my aircon topped up because its a bit ineffective and I know Halfords use these AC Pro recharge bottles. He kept telling me that after he took his car to the mechanic due to the AC being completely empty, the mechanic said that these recharge bottles are rubbish and don't do anything, they only last for a short amount and its a waste of money. He also said that they don't have enough pressure to do the whole system and then something about oil in the AC system. I've worked in Halfords recharging aircons and we only ever connect to the low pressure line just to top it up, I don't understand what he means?

He's right.

Stay away from Halfords too. Fine to buy your screen wash and air fresheners, but they generally haven't got a clue what they're doing.

Bring your car to a proper A/C shop. They have the proper equipment, not little cans that don't last.