Refrigerant is a cooling agent that works with our A/C systems to transform hot air into cool air. Since the 1990s, the most popular refrigerant of choice was R-134a. Although, after 2021, R-134a phased out because of its environmental harm as a very potent greenhouse gas, an EPA requirement that Melloy Dodge supports, especially in making our environment safer!
R1234yf refrigerant then gained popularity over the last
decade due to its short atmospheric lifetime and, in turn, low ozone depletion
potential. It is now the preferred type of refrigerant for all newer model
vehicles.
Eventually, you will need to recharge your car's air conditioning system. But,
how exactly can you tell if this is the case?
How exactly can you tell if this is the case? Well, your
Melloy Dodge experts are here to explain.
A/C Not Blowing Cool Air: One of the first things
you'll notice is your A/C beginning to blow warm air. When your car's
refrigerant depletes, nothing is left to cool the air running through your A/C
system.
A/C Clutch Not Engaging: When turning on your A/C, you should hear a
clicking sound that indicates the A/C clutch is engaging. If the clicking sound
is absent, then chances are your refrigerant is low. Low or missing refrigerant
causes your clutch to fail because of the lack of pressure related to your
compressor.
Signs of a Leak: Check underneath your car to see if
you notice any leaks. If you spot a greasy-looking substance underneath the
hood area, it's probably refrigerant. This more pressing issue requires a
certified technician to diagnose and fix it.
In any case, please contact Melloy Dodge today to schedule
an appointment with our industry-leading service department. We'll be able to troubleshoot
your refrigerant issue and recharge it properly.