Sorry if this has been asked before.
What are people's thoughts on the DIY aircon top up kits available from outlets such as Halfords ?
I know the motoring industry doesn't like them, but that is to be expected. Having watched my previous car having it's system topped up, it didn't look a very technical operation.
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I have done a detailed forum search and can't find a thread which discussed this. I recall that the gist of it was that these kits are a total waste of money and that they put stuff into your system which will cause expensive aggravation to the equipment of any a/c techie to whom you subsequently take your car to have it fixed when the DIY kit hasn't worked. Standing by for correction and/or enlightenment!
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I'd leave aircon stuff to specialists who know about it.
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I have done a detailed forum search and can't find a thread which discussed this.
Here's one, with a couple of links to other discussions as well.
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=29208
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Thanks DD - I don't know why I couldn't find that!
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Last summer, my local specialist did a check, drain, clean and refill for £65. (Volvo V40)
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Spread that £65 over three years -- the interval recommended by the service I use -- and the annual cost is trivial, so it's not worth compromising on the quality of work.
Use it regularly and you will minimize the risk of problems developing. See HJ's FAQ 8.
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The proper places will pull it down to a vacuum and leave the vacuum pump running for a good while which will evapourate any moisture and draw it out. Then they will refill the correct amount of refrigerant and lubricant, and check for leaks. This is a much better way than guessing.
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The price of an air con service seems to be dropping in this area of France. Many 'fast fit' type places have the specialist gear to do this, as well as specialists. Latest promotional price I saw (I seem to remember) for a system check and re-gas was 35 euros (25 quid) at LeClerc Auto.
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Thanks for the replies.
I don't need mine done for a while, as my Accord was re-gassed last year when a new air-con hose was fitted. The previous one having blown off, damaging the bonnet in the process.
I know they recommend having air-con topped up every 5 - 6 years, as all systems leak to a greater or lesser extent.
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