Just needs a regas, innit

[Toaster Pilot]

Got a car in at the moment (Xsara Picasso ) that has non functional aircon - I can hear the clutch engage though.

"Probably just needs a regas mate" - where can I get this done cheaply ? Halfords sell DIY kits but they remind me of things like "stop leak" additives, huge promises and disappointment in a can.

Obviously it might be ruined and might not hold gas, but I reckon it's worth a go...

[a1burns]

Girlfriends car needed a re-gas, looked locally and companies offering a check of the system and re-gas for £35.
Was in halfords anyway so looked at the DIY kits, £20 for the adapter and £35 for the can of gas...
Look online for local companies its much better/cheaper/safer. Groupon had an offer on for £20 too so worth a look on there for someone local to you!

[BritishRacinGrin]

Isn't the usual recommendation Kwik-Fit 'cool A/C or your money back'?

[andymc]

yup groupon

[driverrob]

I got mine done at the local Halfords Autocentre on Saturday.
£49 but it took them (their special 'machine') over an hour so just £44.10. Worth it in this weather.

[Polome]

I've used halfords kit and it was fine. If you have a " minor" leak I.e. seeping joint or weeping compressor seals this can be a cheap summer fix. It's very easy to use ,but you need to be confidant ( or take a chance) that the system still has some gas in it. Major leaks I.e. holed condensors could have lost all gas and allowed air into system and it's not worth re gassing without a fix first. A mate has a minor leak in his SL and tops it up before and during his annual continental trip...works a ( cheap ) treat.

[V8forweekends]

I looked at the Halfords kit - then I decided against - if it was just £30 quid that'd be one thing, but it's nearly as much as you'd pay for a proper job and with no guarantee it would work. If you get a proper place to do it, at least you can talk to them if it's not improved.

[8Ace]

BritishRacinGrin said:

Isn't the usual recommendation Kwik-Fit 'cool A/C or your money back'?

This. If the system is fked it hasn't cost you anything to find out. If it's not, then £50 for chilly toes, in this weather, is money we;ll spent.

[Limpet]

Kwik Fit. Cheap and usually some sort of money back offer if it doesn't work.

Restored icy cold air-con on our old Scenic for £40.

[skyrover]

V8forweekends said:

I looked at the Halfords kit - then I decided against - if it was just £30 quid that'd be one thing, but it's nearly as much as you'd pay for a proper job and with no guarantee it would work. If you get a proper place to do it, at least you can talk to them if it's not improved.

Pretty much this...

If you have a fast leak that's £30 down the drain.

If it's a slow leak, it will prob get you through summer

[CallorFold]

£40 at a small garage for a drain and re-gas.

The guy put some fluorescent liquid in too, just in case there was any leaks so it was easier to detect where they were coming from. 2 years later and it's still blowing nice and cold - couldn't live without it in this weather.

[Toaster Pilot]

Went to F1 Autocentres - £39 and fairly quick and painless.

Ice cold now