Car Air Conditioning

Here at Carmaster Garage, we have everything we need to offer a complete range of air conditioning services.

With a wealth of experience in working with the two most common types of air conditioning gasses Carmaster Garage easily meets the current re-gassing and recharging standards efficiently and cost-effectively.

However, aware that these standards are continually changing, we have recently invested in a new, state-of-the-art air con machine which uses CO₂/R744 instead of the more traditional gasses. This new gas is mostly used in electric and prestige vehicles, in particular VW Group and Mercedes and some of the newer Ford models and is much more environmentally friendly than any previous gas available.

What are the different types of vehicle air conditioning gases?

You may have heard of the two most common types of car air con gasses – R134a and R1234yf

R134a is a gas commonly found in vehicles manufactured before 2017. It was introduced as a replacement for older, ozone-depleting refrigerants and is still used in many cars today. This type of gas is generally cheaper and more widely available than its modern counterparts. However, it is less environmentally friendly compared to newer options.

R1234yf has become the standard refrigerant in most new vehicles built after 2017, particularly within the EU and is considered a more climate-safe alternative to R134a. R1234yf is slightly more expensive and requires specific recharging equipment, and its use is increasingly mandated due to its eco-friendly properties.

There is now also a third option – R744 – which is a CO₂-based system and is emerging as the favoured air con gas for electric and hybrid cars and many prestige vehicles such as those manufactured by VW Group and Mercedes.

Carmaster Garage is the only independent garage in North Yorkshire with the capabilities to offer R744.

We have invested in the Ecotechnics A/C Station, the very latest future-proof, sustainable air conditioning technology and are delighted to be able to offer this to our customers across Harrogate and North Yorkshire.

What could be wrong with my car’s A/C?

We can diagnose, maintain, repair, or fit replacement parts as necessary on most vehicle makes and models, old and new. There is every chance that if the air conditioning in your vehicle isn’t working as effectively as it should, it is likely to be just a case of re-charging or re-gassing the system and applying anti-bacterial cleaner. If, however, there is a leak somewhere in your car’s air-con system, we can fix that too.

Most often the inspection and solution process only take a short while and you will be back on the road with an air conditioning system you can rely on. We are an independent garage providing dealer-level expertise but without the expensive main dealer prices.

How often should I have my car air con regassed?

Most manufacturers recommend that you have your car’s air conditioning serviced or regassed roughly every two years. However, most people generally wait until the air con stops blowing out cold air before getting in touch with the garage.

Should I keep my car air conditioner on all the time?

It’s definitely worth running your car air con regularly because it keeps the system lubricated and will help to prevent the build-up of mould or smells. And of course, it will keep the interior of the vehicle at a comfortable temperature. However, if you’re concerned about fuel efficiency or battery range (in hybrids and EVs), it’s fine to turn it off occasionally. Just try to run it for at least 10–15 minutes once a week, even in cold weather, to keep the system healthy.

What will happen I don’t get my car air conditioning regassed?

At some point, your car’s air con will stop work efficiently and you’ll find that there’s no quick way of lowering the temperature in the car when it’s a hot day, or of demisting the windscreen on a cold day. If the air con is left too long without a recharge, some of the components may start to seize up or crack, and then you’re left facing potentially expensive repairs. Get in touch with our team at Carmaster Garage if you’re not sure if your car’s air conditioning needs a service or regas and we’ll be very happy to help you out.

Contact Carmaster Garage or call in at our workshop in Harrogate – at any time of the year, and we will be delighted to offer you the best car air conditioning advice, without any obligation.

Carmaster Garage is pleased to be affiliated with several respected motoring organisations such as the RMI and The Motor Ombudsman, and approved by Trading Standards.

To find out more about Air Conditioning in Harrogate, contact us online or call us directly on 01423 881213

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