How often should air-con be re-gassed?

Ideally only when needed — a healthy, sealed system shouldn't lose gas. Many manufacturers suggest a check every few years, but needing frequent top-ups points to a leak that should be traced and repaired.

Why does my air-con cool while driving but not when stationary?

At idle the cooling fan and reduced airflow strain the system. Weak cooling only in traffic often points to a condenser fan or airflow problem.

Why Your Car Air Conditioning Isn't Cooling

There's a particular frustration to air-con that blows warm on the first hot day of the year. Before you hand over money for a re-gas — which is often the first thing offered — it's worth knowing the usual suspects, because the re-gas isn't always the answer.

The common causes

Lost refrigerant from a slow leak — the most common cause of gradually weakening cooling
A clogged pollen / cabin filter choking the airflow — cheap and quick to fix
A dirty condenser caked in road grime and dead flies, unable to shed heat
A worn compressor or a failing cooling fan

Car Air Conditioning Not Cooling? Here's Why

The common causes

Frequently asked questions