I've noticed the air conditioning in my Oct06 vRS becoming less efficient recently.

Took it to a dealer who says there is probably a leak and it needs recharging (at a cost of £75)

Is this normal? I've done 33000 miles.

I've never had aircon problems in new cars i've owned before. Isn't this a warranty issue?

Any thoughts?

Probably the norm to get it recharged every so often, wouldn't have thought it would be a warranty issue as its more a service than a problem. However, if it is a leak then it should be covered by the warranty, either way the dealer will still want the £75 for the aircon recharge.

Depends on if you think its leaking really. If you think it is or can see there is a problem then take it to the dealers. If it just needs recharging I wouldn't pay the dealers rates though - try and find a good VAG independant who will probably be much more competitive.

if proberbly just needs regassing, but as said dont pay the dealers prices. Independant a/c specialists tend to be a lot cheaper, I used a mobile service when I had my previous car and it cost about 1/2 what you have been quoted.

Aircon loses about 10 to 15% of the gas each year, through normal 'weeping' at seals. Worth having a proper re-charge every 3 years or so. Make sure you get a proper job done.

1: Old gas is extracted and weighed, to see how much was left in the system

2: System taken down to deep vacuum for 45 minutes and leak tested

3: System re-filled with gas and lubricant.

#2 Is very important, as it also dries out any water trapped in the system.

Do our cars have drier canisters in the Air Con anymore?

Do our cars have drier canisters in the Air Con anymore?

Yes they do.

Also, further to Moggy's post above, they usually add a U.V. dye to the new gas so that if you do have a leak in your system, it will be very easy to spot as the dye will hopefully be plastered all over the point where the leak is. Shine a U.V. light in the engine bay and bingo!!

In that case the drier should be changed whenever the A/C system is opened up, leak tested or regassed. It will extend the efficiency of the A/C over a longer period off time. And where is the drier by the way?.