Air conditioning is a welcome feature in many cars that’s made driving far more pleasant. While it wasn’t specifically invented for the automotive industry, having cool, fresh, dry airflow in your cabin makes all the difference on a hot, sweaty day when you have a family of four road trip into the Peaks.
So when the AC in your VW doesn’t cool as it should, what next? It might feel like a minor problem, something to brush aside. But the truth is, your air conditioning system’s performance won’t return on its own. It’s time for a re-gas (and could also mean there’s a more troubling underlying issue).
On this page, we’ll explain what you need to do.
Why does your VW air conditioning need re-gassing?
Like any car, the air conditioning systems in VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda vehicles rely on refrigerant to cool the air. A compressor forces this refrigerant through a series of pipes and radiator-like devices. In the process, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and dumps it back into the atmosphere. As a happy side-effect, it also removes humidity.
However, over time, the refrigerant naturally depletes. This is normal, but it naturally affects the system’s performance. You’ll start to notice your air conditioning not working quite so well on those warmer days.
Typically, manufacturers recommend a re-gas every two to three years. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all type deal. For example, your driving habits and how you use your air conditioning system all impact how soon you’ll need a re-gas.
How do you know if it’s time for a re-gas?
It’s usually obvious when it’s time for a re-gas. You’ll notice reduced cooling performance, perhaps even none at all. If it’s been some time since you last took your VW to a service centre for a re-gas, it’s likely the culprit.
You might notice other problems with your air conditioning, like hissing, whistling or unusual sounds from the compressor or pulley. While you’ll still need to take your car to a specialist, a re-gas alone is unlikely to fix the problem. You’ll need some repairs. No matter the symptom, the quicker you get your car to a garage, the faster you will catch any developing issues.
Re-gassing is a reasonably straightforward process, but it must be carried out by a technician qualified to handle air conditioning refrigerant. They’ll use a special device to evacuate the old refrigerant from the system and refill it with fresh refrigerant. If the device detects a leak, it will abort the process. All the old and new refrigerant is stored in sealed bottles, so it doesn’t leak into the atmosphere.
It’s worth mentioning that while the re-gassing process itself is simple, it’s a good opportunity for the technician to check the overall health of your air conditioning system. They’ll check the compressor, condenser, evaporator and pipes and use UV light to check for any leaks.
The environmental impact and eco-friendly refrigerants
Air conditioning refrigerants used to be really bad for the environment. That’s not just the types used in vehicle air conditioning systems – it applies to any, including those in fridges, commercial equipment and industrial/residential air conditioning. Thankfully, over time, things have got better.
Global Warming Potential – GWP – measures how harmful a chemical is to the environment. A GWP of 1 represents how much damage one tonne of carbon dioxide does over 100 years. So, if a chemical has a GWP of 10, it does ten times as much damage as carbon dioxide.
The first air conditioning systems invented used a refrigerant called R-12 (CFCs). They hung around for a long time but were phased out in the 1990s because they were catastrophically bad for the environment when they leaked. R-12 hit the ozone layer hard, and when it leaked, it had a GWP of 10,900.
The world replaced R-12 systems with R-22 (HCFCs) systems. It was a step in the right direction, but R-22 still damaged the ozone layer and had a GWP of 1,810.
After that came the ozone-safe R-134a (HFCs) – the standard in most late 90s to early 2010s cars. However, its GWP was still 1,430. Room for improvement, then.
Finally, today, manufacturers use R-1234yf (HFOs). R-1234yf doesn’t harm the ozone layer and has a GWP of just 4.
Seeing how the world has progressed to lower our environmental impact while maintaining high-performance air conditioning systems is terrific.
However, on this note, using the correct refrigerant is essential when you get your VW re-gassed. That’s just one reason why going to a trusted, air conditioning-licensed service centre is so important. Newer cars should use R-1234yf, but older models are still on the road with R-134a. Don’t get caught out.
Why regular air conditioning maintenance matters for overall health
The most important health benefit from air conditioning maintenance is to you and your passengers. Over time, dirt and bacteria build up in the vents. If your AC isn’t working, these bad smells (and, potentially, allergens) only worsen. Maintenance (including re-gassing) ensures clean air inside the cabin.
Another benefit? To a limited degree, keeping your air conditioning system in good working order minimises unnecessary wear and tear on other crankshaft-driven components and even the engine itself, to some extent.
And without regular use, the rubber seals in your air conditioning system go brittle, leading to leaks. So, you should run your air conditioning as often as possible, even on winter days, with the heat turned up, of course.
If you notice any warning signs or it’s been a while since your last re-gas, it’s time to book an appointment.
At Sunset VW, we specialise in keeping your VW running smoothly, whether it’s a quick re-gas or a complete system check. Get in touch today to book an appointment at our Derby garage and ensure your air conditioning system is in top cooling condition.