General & Pricing
Answers to your most common questions about general & pricing at our Pretoria workshop.
The cost of an AC regas depends on the type of refrigerant your vehicle uses. Older cars (pre-2017) use R134a, while newer cars use R1234yf. R1234yf is a more expensive, modern gas and requires specialised machinery. We offer transparent pricing for both types. Please contact our workshop directly for the current quote based on your car model.
A standard AC regas and vacuum test usually takes between 45 minutes to 90 minutes. If we detect a leak, the full Diagnostics & Leak Detection service may take longer, typically around 2 hours, depending on the severity and location of the fault. We always aim for same-day diagnosis and repair.
Yes. We stand by the quality of our work. All major component replacements (like Compressor Replacement or Condenser repair) come with a standard warranty on both parts and labour. Details are provided with every quote.
We highly recommend booking an appointment to ensure one of our certified technicians and the correct specialised equipment (especially for R1234yf systems) are available immediately for your vehicle. This prevents long waiting times.
Technical & Repair Questions
Answers to your most common questions about technical & repair questions at our Pretoria workshop.
If your AC is blowing warm air, it means your refrigerant level is low (needs a regas). However, since refrigerant loss always indicates a leak, simply topping it up is temporary. We always recommend our Diagnostics & Leak Detection service first to identify and fix the leak before regassing. This provides a permanent solution.
R134a is the older, standard refrigerant (used in most cars pre-2017). R1234yf is the new, environmentally-friendly standard. They are not interchangeable, and using the wrong gas can destroy your compressor. We service both types with dedicated equipment.
Often, the failure is isolated to the compressor clutch or electrical circuit, which can sometimes be repaired. However, if the internal mechanics of the compressor have suffered metal contamination due to oil starvation, replacement is the only safe option to prevent damage to the entire AC loop.
The Receiver Drier acts as a filter, removing moisture and contaminants from the system. When the AC system is opened for repairs (like a Condenser or Compressor replacement), the drier gets saturated. Replacing it is crucial to protect the new compressor from moisture damage.
Maintenance & Preventative Care
Answers to your most common questions about maintenance & preventative care at our Pretoria workshop.
The musty smell is caused by mould, fungi, and bacteria building up on the wet surface of the evaporator core inside your dashboard. This is fixed by our Full System Sanitisation service, which uses anti-bacterial foam and ozone/ultrasonic treatment to kill the microbes at the source.
We recommend a performance check every 12 months and a regas/recharge every 2 to 3 years. Regular checks ensure pressures and temperatures are optimal, protecting against premature compressor failure.
O-rings and seals are small rubber components at connection points in the AC pipework that are the most common places for slow leaks. This service involves locating and replacing these seals to maintain the high pressure required for the system to function correctly.
We strongly advise against using DIY kits. These kits often contain sealants that can damage professional equipment and do not accurately measure or replace the required oil. More importantly, they do not include a vacuum test to confirm the absence of air and moisture, which leads to immediate system corrosion and eventual compressor failure. Always use a certified technician.
Yes, running the AC always increases fuel consumption because the compressor draws power from the engine. However, a low-gas system draws more power as the compressor struggles to maintain cooling. A fully maintained and correctly gassed AC system runs efficiently, minimising the impact on your fuel economy.