Leakage control – an absolut must
The utopia of a maintenance-free A/C system has been abandoned long ago. These days, A/C experts accept the fact that refrigerant losses occur with virtually every system. These losses do not always result from torn ducting or damages through accidents. Even totally intact systems lose some refrigerant – through the ducting and piping system, screw connections, sealing rings, etc. Such losses particularly affect modern systems containing far less refrigerant than former system generations.
The law forbids recharging defect A/C systems – after all, R 134a is regarded as an environmental hazard and climate killer. Regular leakage checks are in the interest of the vehicle owner to prevent compressor damage. What’s the best way to detect a leak though?