Do some older cars need an A/C recharge every year? I had a/c work at a place last year. I tried to use the A/C yesterday, but no cold air. After taking my car in to my local shop, that's what he said. It may be a leak somewhere, so some of the older cars (like my 1996) just need a re-charge every year.
"It depends......"
Finding and repairing slow leaks in an automobile AC system can be a very expensive undertaking. When my 1996 Sable AC failed to cool one spring a few years ago, I took it in to be diagnosed. They filled the system with a dye and ran it. Under a black light, we could then see the spots where it was leaking and there were a number of them. Their suggestion? A complete new compressor and hose system at a cost of over $1k! I suggested trying a recharge and they refused saying I'd be dissatisified because the leaks would quickly result in a empty system and I would have wasted my money. I left figuring I'd go without AC until I junk the car.
A buddy suggested I try recharging with fluid that contains a leak stopping component. I found the product on the shelf at Walmart and we installed it using my friend's installation kit. (Basically a guage and hoses.) When done, the AC worked fine and lasted all summer. The recharge cost me about $30 for 2 cans of the coolant/leak fixer-upper.
Aware that I'd probably need to recharge again, I kept a lookout for sales on coolant and found some at a local store called "Big Lots" for $5/can. I bought a half dozen. This was the type without the leak fixing component.
The next spring, sure enough, no AC. I bought my own install kit (it's a simple process) and added 2 cans. AC worked all summer.
Rinse and repeat.........
This spring, just last week with our unseasonably warm weather, I tried the AC and it seems to be working but doesn't feel as cool as after a fresh recharge, so I'm going to try adding 1 can this afternoon.
Bottom line, when you're dealing with an older, high milage car, sometimes it's hard to justify spending big bux on repairing optional functions, such as AC, and you have to try getting creative or doing without the function. Your leaks could be such that the coolant with leak sealer won't fix them, even temporarily. It only cost me $30 to find out and subsequent recharges, done myself, have only added about another $30.
Good luck!
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