no you dont. the gas runs out after a while, the last time my lexus was done was 5 years ago. had it checked no leaks
I some times come into contact with f-gas on heat pump's we install, we use a local company. I'm pretty sure you have to hold the correct safe handling ticket of such gases in this country. If you pm me I'll send his number across.
"Other than physical damage to the system caused by an accident or road debris holing the Condenser the most common cause of failure is a loss of refrigerant due to natural leakage. Due to the set-up of a vehicle's air conditioning system there has to be flexible couplings between the components mounted on the body of the vehicle and the Compressor which is typically mounted on, and driven directly by, the engine, which itself is mounted on the vehicles chassis on flexible mounts. In addition, these connections and flexible couplings have serviceable joints enabling components to be replaced during the vehicles life. Because of this Vehicle Air Conditioning systems will tend to lose refrigerant over time as refrigerant permeates through the physical joints between components. In normal working conditions all automotive air conditioning systems will lose about 10% to 15% of refrigerant each year which is considered natural leakage. Environmental conditions and how the vehicle operates can increase the amount of refrigerant leakage." http://www.aircondoctor.co.uk/how-it-works.html And back to the original question, Kwick-fit will do it for £49 if you book on line. They'll do the gas and lubricant. Earlier in the summer they were saying that if it didn't work after the service you didn't have to pay, but I don't know if that still applies. Edit - that's the problem with air con units. Most of the time the malfunction is down to low gas levels, but when it isn't you'll still be charged for the refill even if it doesn't fix it, that's why the Kwick-fit offer was a good one. You can buy the actual gas from Halfords for £34.99. They'll do it for you for £9.99 and you get £10 back when you return the empty bottle. Plus you get some fee air con cleaner. http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...632?cm_re=Search+Portal-_-Promo-_-Airconwefit Can't vouch for either place, but I'll be surprised if you can beat the price that Halfords are offering. It's usually at least £40 at the cheapest places.
