QwikFit Regas - any good?

[HannsG]

Hi guys,

reckon the aircon needs a service. The minute i pres the snowflake button I can hear 'hissing'.

I have never taken my cars to KwikFit or Halfords as i am fairly OCD, but its an aircon thingy so whats the harm right?

Anyone kind enough to share experiences with these guys for aircon? I would gather they give you two print outs, clear the system and refill and test for leaks.

[HannsG]

littlebasher said:

A fast fit chain entered the wrong car details into the machine. Tried to put twice the amount of fluid in that was required - popped the condenser.

Got a refund for the regas, but not for the £150 i had to spend on a new condenser. Went in fully working, came out knackered, i just thought for £30 i would see if i could get it even colder!

fking hell lol.

[HannsG]

T9JVG said:

In my relatively inexperienced, experience, I would suggest that you have a leak in the system (can't think why else it would hiss) and your money would be better spent fixing that, prior to regassing. If you regas with a leak you'll simply lose all the coolant (same as has just happened) and you'll be back to square one in a relatively short space of time, only a few sheets lighter...

T9

Hi, OP here

I don't thinks its a full blown leak as the aircon is blowing excellent hot and cold air. But it is a very valid point you make.

I had something very similar on my E46 M3, it sounded like darth vader, I made sure it was given a recharge as part of its Inspection 2 service. And the sound never came back.

It could be the expansion valve, low air, aircon motor etc etc. Unsure, but the noise is a pain in the butt during long journeys.

But given my M3 had a similar issue for at least two years before I could be arsed to get it charged again, makes me think it needs a full refresh in the Panda

[HannsG]

KevinCamaroSS said:

Confused here. If it is still working fine, why would you want to touch it?

The noise is like a drill....constant wheezing, sounds like someone in their last moments of death every moment I am driving.

As its a commuter car, its becoming onerous.

[HannsG]

Took the car this morning and they fixed the issue. They mentioned the car was very low on refrigerant.

Going to see how it pans out over the next few months.

Peace at last!