Air conditioning is an important part of any vehicle, providing cool air on hot days. However, over time the AC system can develop leaks, causing the refrigerant to escape and the AC to blow warm air.
Fixing an AC leak in a car is possible with some mechanical skill and the right tools and supplies. In this article, we’ll walk through the steps for how to fix an AC Leak in Car.
How to Find the AC Leak in a Car?
The first step is to find where the AC system’s refrigerant leaks. Now, here are some ways to find AC leaks in the car:
Look for Oil Spots
The refrigerant oil will leave oily spots where it leaks out. Check under the hood along the AC lines and components for these spots. Leaks tend to occur at fittings and around seals.
Use UV Dye
You can add UV fluorescent dye to the AC system. The dye mixes with the refrigerant and will glow under a UV light wherever it escapes. Turn on the AC, let it run for a while, then use the UV light kit to search for leaks. Glowing spots say a leak.
Try a sniffer tool.
An electronic refrigerant sniffer can detect escaping refrigerants. It has a wand-like probe that you can move around the AC components until it starts beeping louder, indicating a leak.
Listen for hissing.
Turn the AC on and listen to components like the condenser, evaporator, hoses, and fittings. A hissing sound means a leak is present. Once you’ve pinpointed the location of the AC leak in the car, it’s time to move on to repairing it.
Easy Guide to Repair Common AC Leak in Car
Small leaks at hoses, seals, and fittings can often be repaired with sealants. Larger leaks or leeks in other components may require replacement. Here are some common AC leak problems and how to fix AC leaks in cars effectively.
Rubber Hose Leaks
The rubber AC hoses can dry out and crack over time, causing small leaks. To repair them:
- Clean the area around the hose leak thoroughly.
- Apply a sealant made for AC systems to the leaky spot. Let it dry completely.
- Test the AC system to confirm there are no more leaks. Add UV dye if needed.
Evaporator and Condenser Leaks
The evaporator and condenser fins are prone to getting bent and causing leaks. Carefully straighten any bent fins with a plastic spreader tool.
Small holes can be patched with copper sheet metal and solder. Larger leaks will require replacing the part.
O-Ring and Gasket Seals
Fittings usually use O-ring seals that get brittle and crack over time. Carefully replace the O-rings at leaking fittings.
For leaks at a gasket, tighten bolts evenly for a better seal. Still leaking means it’s time to replace worn gaskets.
Line and Component Damage
If AC lines get hit by debris, they can develop cracks or holes. Anything beyond a very small puncture requires replacing the entire line.
Leaks often happen in other parts, like the expansion valve or compressor. Major leaks in those parts mean it’s the whole part that requires replacing.
Recharging the System
The AC system needs to be refilled with new refrigerant after all the leaks have been fixed. To fully recharge the AC Gas in the Car, you need to use special tools.
The seals on do-it-yourself refrigerant cans are bad for AC systems and shouldn’t be used. Instead, have a shop that fixes air conditioners. They drain out extra coolant. Then, they replace the receiver drier or accumulator. Next, they add the right amount of new coolant oil. They clean the system and then charge it to the right level for your car.
Best Tips for Quick Finding and Fixing AC Leaks
- Look for oily spots under the hood and near AC components to spot leaks
- Use UV dye to make leaks glow brightly under black light
- Listen for hissing sounds with the AC on to detect leaks
- Seal small hoses, seal, and fit leaks with AC sealant products
- Straighten bent condenser and evaporator fins carefully with a plastic spreader
- Patch small holes in the condenser or evaporator with copper sheets and solder
- Replace leaky O-rings on AC fittings
- Tighten fittings and bolts on external gaskets to stop minor leaks
- Replace damaged AC hoses, fittings, lines, and major components if needed
- Avoid using DIY sealant refrigerant products in your AC system
- Have an AC shop properly evacuate, vacuum, recharge, and test your system
- Consider pro AC technicians for major repairs beyond your skill level
Conclusion
You can fix an AC leak in a car as long as you find where the leak is coming from, seal it properly, and then properly charge the refrigerant.
To find all the leaks and recharge the system, you do need to know How to fix the AC leak in the car. A Professional Mobile Car Mechanic should be called in for major leaks or problems that are too complicated for you to fix yourself.
You can get your car’s air conditioning to blow nice and cold again with caracrepairdubai.com and the right fixes.
