Month: June 2023

As the summer heat becomes more intense, having a fully functional air conditioning system in your car becomes essential for a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. One crucial aspect of car maintenance that ensures your AC system works optimally is air-con regassing.

What is Air-con Regassing?

Aircon regassing, also known as AC recharging or refrigerant recharging, refers to the process of replenishing the refrigerant in your car’s air conditioning system. Over time, refrigerant levels can deplete due to small leaks or natural evaporation, resulting in reduced cooling performance. Regassing involves adding new refrigerant to restore the system’s efficiency and cooling capacity.

Can You Do An Air-con Regas Yourself?

While some DIY car maintenance tasks can be performed at home, air-con regassing is best left to the professionals. Regassing requires specialised equipment and knowledge of the specific refrigerant type and pressure levels. It is crucial to ensure the correct amount of refrigerant is added to avoid damaging the system or compromising your safety. Therefore, we highly recommend to seek the assistance of a qualified automotive technician or air conditioning specialist to perform the air-con regassing.

How Do I Know if My Car Air-con Needs Regassing?

Several signs indicate that your car air conditioning system may need regassing. Here are a few common indicators to watch out for:

1. Reduced Cooling Performance: If you notice a decrease in the cooling efficiency of your AC, such as the air not getting as cold as it used to or taking longer to cool down the vehicle’s cabin, it might be a sign that the refrigerant levels are low.
2. Weak Airflow: Insufficient airflow from the vents, even when the fan is set to maximum, can indicate low refrigerant levels.
3. Strange Noises or Smells: Unusual noises, such as hissing or rattling, and unpleasant odors emanating from the air conditioning system could suggest a refrigerant leak, requiring regassing.

If you experience any of these symptoms, we advise to have your car’s air-con system inspected by a professional technician.

How Much Does It Cost to Re-gas a Car’s AC?

Air-con regassing cost can vary depending on factors such as location, type of refrigerant used, and the service provider. On average, the cost typically ranges from £50 to £200, including the cost of refrigerant and labour, but booking an air conditioning re-gas through the Rooster Insurance app can save you up to 40% on these services!

How to book an air conditioning re-gas with Rooster:

Download and sign up to our app here, select “My Garage” and click the drop down menu of the Rooster Car Care section to select “air conditioning re-gas” to compare the prices of your nearby services!

How Often Does Car AC Need Regassing?

The frequency of air-con regassing varies depending on various factors, including the age of your vehicle, the condition of the AC system, and any potential leaks. In general, most manufacturers recommend you service your car’s air-con every two years or so.

Air-con regassing plays a vital role in keeping your vehicle’s air conditioning system in optimal condition. Make sure to stay vigilant and recognise signs of low refrigerant levels to know when to book your next re-gas. Regularly servicing your car’s AC system can ensure that it continues to provide cool air during hot summer months. Stay cool and safe on the road by prioritising air-con regassing as part of your car maintenance routine.

Putting the wrong fuel into your car can be a distressing and costly mistake. Whether it’s accidentally pumping petrol into a diesel vehicle or vice versa, the consequences can range from minor inconveniences to severe engine damage. In this blog post, we will explore the effects of misfuelling, how quickly you can realise the mistake, what happens when you put petrol in a diesel car and drive it, and what steps to take if you find yourself in this predicament.

How quickly would you know if you put the wrong fuel in your car?

Misfuelling can happen in an instant, often due to distractions or confusing fuel pump labelling. The moment you realise your mistake may vary. However, some immediate signs can alert you to the error. These include difficulty starting the engine, rough running, strange noises, or dashboard warning lights. The sooner you recognize the problem, the better chance you have of minimizing the damage.

What happens if you put petrol in a diesel car and drive it?

When petrol is introduced into a diesel car’s fuel system, it can have detrimental effects. Diesel engines rely on compression ignition, while petrol engines use spark ignition. Petrol acts as a solvent, reducing lubrication and causing premature wear and tear on diesel engine components. The fuel pump, injectors, and other critical parts may suffer damage. The misfuelled car may experience power loss, misfires, stalling, and even complete engine failure.

What should I do if I accidentally put diesel in my car?

If you accidentally put diesel into a petrol car, the consequences are generally less severe, but it still requires immediate attention. Here are the steps to take:

1. Do not start the engine: Starting the engine can circulate the diesel fuel further, increasing the chances of damage.

2. Contact a professional: Call a breakdown service or a local mechanic for guidance. They can provide advice tailored to your specific situation and help you avoid potential complications.

3. Have the fuel system drained: To minimize damage, it’s crucial to have the contaminated fuel drained from the system as soon as possible. A professional mechanic will flush the system and replace the fuel with the correct type.

4. Check for additional issues: Depending on the extent of the misfuelling, there may be further damage to address. The mechanic will inspect the fuel system and engine components to ensure everything is functioning properly.

Putting the wrong fuel into a car can have serious consequences, ranging from engine damage to costly repairs. It’s essential to be vigilant and take immediate action if you find yourself in such a situation. Remember, consult a professional mechanic or your car’s manufacturer for expert advice tailored to your specific vehicle.

For more car maintenance help, you can visit here to see more of our blog posts. This resource will provide you with valuable insights to keep your vehicle in optimal condition.