How did anyone get along without automobile air conditioning before? It's a feature we take for granted until, suddenly, it's blowing hot air.
In the past few years, many vehicle owners have discovered that fixing an inoperative air conditioner can cost a few hundred dollars or more, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. The reason is that the old standby R-12 refrigerant has been replaced by R-134a. Touted as being environmentally safer than its predecessor, R-134a has been standard since 1994.
If your older vehicle needs major repairs to the A/C system you can expect to replace the refrigerant and the oil in the compressor in addition to the old components. You also may need to install a retrofit conversion. Do not allow anyone to mix refrigerants! They are not inter-changeable. You cannot add R-134a to your older air conditioner without first flushing the system. Keep in mind the fact that if your vehicle is leaking refrigerant, you're damaging the ozone layer.
An annual inspection of your new or older vehicle, including the air conditioning system, can help prevent costly repairs. Come by Kirtec Auto Services today at 5825 136 Street or call 604-598-0898 to make an appointment to have your A/C system checked or serviced. If not, one of these hot and humid days, you may regret it.
