Air Conditioning Service

Car Air Conditioning Recharge & Repair in Hampshire

If your car's air conditioning is not blowing as cold as it used to, it is probably time for a regas. Air conditioning systems lose refrigerant gradually over time — typically around 10 to 15 per cent per year — so even a perfectly healthy system will need topping up every couple of years to maintain peak performance.

At AVS Bransgore, we offer a full air conditioning service for all makes and models. We handle both R134a (older gas) and R1234yf (newer gas used in vehicles manufactured from around 2017 onwards). Our AC service includes a full system check, leak test, vacuum test, and recharge with the correct refrigerant and lubricant for your vehicle.

Why Does Your AC Need Regular Servicing?

Your car's air conditioning does more than keep you cool in summer. It also demists your windscreen in winter, filters pollen and pollutants from the cabin air, and helps regulate humidity inside the vehicle. A well-maintained AC system improves driving comfort year-round and can even improve fuel efficiency by reducing the load on the compressor.

If the system is left too long without servicing, the seals can dry out, leading to leaks that are more expensive to repair. The compressor — the most expensive component in the system — can also be damaged if it runs with insufficient refrigerant or lubricant. Regular servicing every two years is the best way to avoid costly repairs.

Our AC Service Process

We start by recovering any remaining refrigerant from the system and measuring it to check for significant loss. We then pull a vacuum on the system to check for leaks — if the vacuum holds, the system is sealed and we proceed with the recharge. If it does not hold, we use UV dye and electronic leak detection to find the source of the leak.

Once we are satisfied the system is sealed, we recharge it with the correct weight of refrigerant and the appropriate compressor oil. We then run the system and check the vent temperatures to confirm it is blowing cold. The whole process typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour.

AC Repairs and Leak Detection

If your system has a leak, we can carry out the repair. Common leak points include the condenser (at the front of the vehicle, prone to stone damage), O-ring seals on pipe connections, and the compressor shaft seal. We stock common AC components and can source specialist parts quickly for most makes and models.

We also deal with AC compressor failures, condenser replacements, evaporator issues, and expansion valve problems. If your AC is making unusual noises, producing a bad smell, or simply not working at all, bring it to us and we will diagnose the problem properly before recommending any repairs.