Air Conditioning Recharge
Over time, air-con gas gradually depletes which means your system might not work as well as it should.Difference between service and recharge/re-gas
Simply, an air-con recharge is a short-term solution where the gas is topped up to the correct level and an aircon service is a full drain, clean and fill up of your air con to remove moisture, renew the oil, and give the system an antibacterial clean.
The recommendation is that every 2 years you should have your air-con serviced and the pollen filter replaced.
Your local HiQ Centre can give your air-con an anti-bacterial clean, check it for refrigerant leaks, change the lube oil, and replace the pollen filter. All of which will keep your air-con in tip-top condition and you nicely refreshed.
Why recharge?
Surprising to many, recharging your air-con can increase fuel efficiency as well keeping you and your passengers cool. When your air-con refrigerant is low, your car will work harder to try and produce cold air, thus using extra fuel.
You can buy air-con re-gas kits if you’d like to attempt the job yourself, but we wouldn’t advise it.
They’re almost as expensive as paying a specialist to do the job and if anything goes wrong, you may be left with a very expensive repair bill.
Specialists will also have a better idea of how to check for leaks
and other problems with the air-con system, and there are safety factors
to be considered, too. If the refrigerant gas comes into contact with
your skin or eyes, it could cause painful freeze burns.
As well as getting the system re-gassed, the best way to keep your air-con in top form is to use it all year round.
Change the cabin filter regularly, and consider an anti-bacterial clean if you notice musty smells coming from the vents.
If you don’t re-gas the air-con system, it will gradually become less efficient, making the car uncomfortable in hot weather, and cause the car to take longer to de-mist the windows in winter.
Not re-gassing your air-con system will be bad for it in the long run,
too, with pipes likely to crack and parts likely to seize up if it
isn’t used.
The first sign that your air-con needs re-gassing is that the air being blown from the vents is not as cool as it used to be, or it doesn’t feel any different when the AC is switched off.
If you can’t remember the last time the system was re-gassed, it’s
probably worth doing.
Why choose HiQ?
Choosing HiQ means choosing local expertise you can trust. With over 100 centres across the UK, many of which are run by local teams, we’re proud to be part of your community. Our honest, reliable approach puts you first. We’ll only do the work your car needs, and you’ll always know the cost upfront. Backed by Goodyear, a global leader in tyres, HiQ combines local care with unmatched quality to keep you and your car on the road.
Your local experts
Every HiQ centre is run by a team of experienced professionals who live and work in your local area. They’re the heart of our business, providing fast, friendly, and professional service with a personal touch. When you choose HiQ, you’re supporting local businesses while getting expert care for your car.
Free service reminders
Life is busy, so we like to keep things easy. Our free service reminders ensure you never miss an MOT or car service. We’ll gently nudge you when it’s time to give your car a little TLC. One less thing for you to remember. More time for everything else that matters.
Finance available
Unexpected car costs shouldn’t put the brakes on your plans. Our finance options help you spread the cost of tyres, services, or repairs, so you can keep moving without stretching your budget. Talk to us about flexible payment solutions designed to make life easier.
Trusted by our customers
Don’t just take our word for it. Thousands of happy customers across the UK trust HiQ, thanks to our honesty, reliability, and five-star service. We’ll always deliver exactly what we promise. It’s why so many customers return time and time again.
