My 55 vRS and my Dad's 05 1.4 16v both have air con wich works fine, but we have a local workshop who does air conditioning repairs/topups. Is it worth having them topped up at intervals or just run them until they stop working?

If they do need topping up, at what intervals is it required?

Thanks, TH

Aircon looses about 10 to 20% of it's gas each year, through natural seepage. Ideally you want the old gas extracted and weighed, to see how much was left in the system. The system is then kept in deep vacuum to test for leaks, and also dry out any moisture in the system.

The system is then re-charged with gas and oil.

I would recommend this is done every 3 to 4 years. Sooner if aircon seems to be not that cool

take the air con out, over rated and weights alot

OK, I had it vaccumed out and regassed. The engineer said it was just over 25% depleted due to natural seepage - fine for a car just over 3 years old. Now it is full again the air con is a bit better and cools the car a bit quicker.

The job took an hour and cost just over £60 incl VAT.

Worth doing.

Edited 30 June, 200917 yr by Tailhappy

I agree with Moggy. I believe the gas mixes with the oil and so circulates around the system. If you run out of gas the lack of luricant can damage the compressor and so on. The top-up cans from Halfords are no good - vacuum and refill is the only way to ensure correct amount of gas and oil. Looking at £30 upwards every 3/4/5/6 years depending how tight you are