When the summer heat hits, or when your windscreen fogs up in winter, your car’s air conditioning becomes more than just a luxury; it’s essential. But if you’ve noticed your air-con isn’t quite as cold as it used to be, or it’s taking longer to clear the windows, it might be time for an Aircon Regas.
Knowing how often to book an Aircon Regas can save you money, keep you comfortable, and ensure your system runs efficiently year-round. In this guide, we’ll explain what a regas involves, the warning signs that it’s due, and how often you should have it done. Plus, if you’d rather leave it to the professionals, we’ll show you how the team at Wheelbase Garage in Burgess Hill can help.
What Is an Aircon Regas?
An Aircon Regas (also known as an air conditioning recharge) is the process of removing the old refrigerant gas from your vehicle’s air-con system and replacing it with new gas and lubricant.
This refrigerant is what allows the system to cool and dehumidify the air inside your car. Over time, small amounts of the gas naturally leak out, even in a completely healthy system, which means your air-con gradually loses its effectiveness.
A typical regas service includes:
- Recovering any old refrigerant gas
- Vacuum-testing the system for leaks
- Refilling with fresh refrigerant and lubricant
- Checking pressures and overall system performance
At Wheelbase Garage, our technicians also perform leak detection and visual inspections to make sure your system is in top condition before sealing it up again.
How Often Should You Book an Aircon Regas?
As a general rule, most manufacturers recommend booking an Aircon Regas every two years.
However, this can vary depending on your car’s make, model, and usage:
- Older vehicles may need a regas more frequently, roughly every 18 months, as seals and components wear over time.
- Newer cars with modern, sealed systems can often last closer to three years before needing attention.
- High-use vehicles, such as taxis or delivery cars, may require more regular maintenance due to constant operation.
Even if your air-con still feels cool, refrigerant levels might be lower than ideal, meaning your system is working harder to produce the same result. That extra strain can lead to worn-out components, increased fuel consumption, and potential compressor failure, which is far more expensive than a simple regas.
Why Regular Aircon Regas Matters
An Aircon Regas isn’t just about staying comfortable on hot days, it affects your car’s overall performance, efficiency, and even safety. Here’s why it’s worth keeping up to date.
1. Consistent Cooling and Comfort
When the refrigerant level drops, so does your air-con’s cooling ability. A regas ensures your system delivers cold air quickly, even during heatwaves or traffic jams.
2. Improved Air Quality
Your air-con system also filters out dust, pollen, and pollutants. Regular servicing helps prevent the build-up of bacteria and mould that can cause unpleasant smells or trigger allergies.
3. Defogging and Demisting
Air conditioning doesn’t just cool the cabin, it also removes moisture from the air, helping to clear fogged windows in winter. Without enough refrigerant, it’ll take longer to defog and can reduce visibility.
4. Fuel Efficiency
Low refrigerant levels make the compressor work harder, which in turn uses more fuel. A correctly charged system helps your air-con run efficiently and keeps running costs down.
5. Protects Expensive Components
If your air-con runs without sufficient gas or lubricant, the compressor can overheat and seize up, one of the most costly air-con repairs. Regular recharging helps prevent this.
Signs Your Car Needs an Aircon Regas
Sometimes it’s obvious when your air-con isn’t performing as it should. Keep an eye out for these common warning signs:
- Warm air blowing instead of cold
- It takes longer than usual to cool down
- A musty or damp smell when the air-con is on
- The windows take ages to demist
- The compressor doesn’t engage (no click when turned on)
If you notice one or more of these, it’s probably time to book a regas. Even if the system is still functional, addressing low refrigerant levels early can prevent further damage and ensure it’s running at peak efficiency.
How Long Does an Aircon Regas Take?
An Aircon Regas is a straightforward procedure and usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour.
At Wheelbase Garage, our process includes:
- Recovering any remaining refrigerant from the system.
- Vacuum testing to check for leaks.
- Refilling with new refrigerant gas and oil to manufacturer specifications.
- Performance testing to make sure everything’s cooling as it should.
You can often wait while it’s done, making it one of the quickest and easiest ways to restore comfort in your car.
How Much Does an Aircon Regas Cost?
The cost of an Aircon Regas depends on the type of refrigerant your vehicle uses. Most modern cars use R1234yf, while older models may still run on R134a.
Prices typically range between £60 and £130 depending on your system and vehicle type. At Wheelbase Garage, we’ll confirm which gas your car requires and provide an upfront quote before starting work.
Although it might seem like a routine expense, a regas can save money in the long run by improving fuel economy and preventing costly compressor damage.
How to Make Your Aircon Last Longer
If you want to make the most out of your air-con system and avoid premature re-gassing, a few simple habits can make a big difference:
Run It All Year Round
Even in winter, switch on your air-con for 10–15 minutes once a week. This keeps seals lubricated and prevents the gas from leaking out prematurely.
Replace Your Cabin Filter
Your cabin or pollen filter traps dust and debris from the air. A blocked filter can strain the system and reduce cooling performance. Change it roughly every 12,000 miles or once a year.
Use the System Regularly
Leaving your air-con unused for long periods can dry out seals and cause leaks. Keeping it active ensures all components stay lubricated and functional.
Get It Checked Annually
Even if you don’t need a full regas every year, an annual air-con check at a trusted garage helps spot potential issues before they become expensive problems.
Can You Regas Your Car’s Aircon at Home?
Technically, there are DIY air-con regas kits available online, but they’re not recommended for most drivers.
Here’s why:
- You can’t accurately measure how much refrigerant is left.
- DIY kits don’t always remove moisture or old oil, which can cause internal corrosion.
- If your system has a leak, adding gas won’t fix the problem and could release refrigerant into the environment.
Professional regassing ensures the system is emptied, cleaned, refilled, and tested correctly, safely and legally.
At Wheelbase Garage, we have the proper equipment to handle both R134a and R1234yf systems, ensuring every vehicle is re-gassed to manufacturer standards.
Aircon Regas FAQs
Q: How often should you book an Aircon Regas?
Most cars need one every two years, though some newer systems can last up to three.
Q: Can an Aircon Regas fix a leak?
No. If your air-con has a leak, it needs to be located and repaired before re-gassing, otherwise the new gas will simply escape again.
Q: Does an MOT test include an Aircon Regas?
No, air-con performance isn’t part of an MOT. You’ll need to book this service separately.
Q: Will my air-con still work if the gas is low?
Yes, but it’ll be less effective and may cause the compressor to overwork, leading to potential damage.
Q: Can I drive with a faulty air-con?
Yes, but without a regas, you’ll lose cooling and demisting functions. It’s better to fix it promptly, especially before summer.
Prefer a Professional Aircon Regas? Visit Wheelbase Garage in Burgess Hill
If your car’s air-con isn’t blowing as cold as it should, or you can’t remember when it was last serviced, visit Wheelbase Garage in Burgess Hill for a professional Aircon Regas.
Our skilled technicians handle everything from leak detection to full refrigerant replacement, using the latest equipment for both R134a and R1234yf gases. We’ll make sure your air-con system runs smoothly, efficiently, and reliably, ready for any season.
We’re conveniently located in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, serving drivers across the surrounding areas. Drop in for a same-day service or book ahead to suit your schedule.
Whether it’s a quick regas or a complete system check, we’ll have your cabin feeling fresh and cool again in no time.
Final Thoughts
Your car’s air conditioning is more than a comfort feature, it’s part of what keeps your journeys safe, clear, and enjoyable. Booking an Aircon Regas every couple of years helps maintain efficiency, prevents expensive repairs, and ensures clean, cool air all year round.
If your system isn’t performing like it used to, or you’d rather not second-guess when to service it, let Wheelbase Garage take care of it.
Book your next Aircon Regas in Burgess Hill today and keep your cool, whatever the weather.