Car A.C recharge? (North Port, Englewood: buy, vs, shop)

[MikMal]

With higher temps here, I noticed my 2001 Toyota's AC just isn't cutting it during the day so I figure it's time to get the system recharged. Anybody have a particular shop in the PC area they like (or one to stay away from) for getting your car's AC serviced? I was hoping to find someplace that I could wait while they serviced it; not drop it off and pick it up hours later.

[Harbor Hopper]

Almost any shop can do this. I used to take my truck in once per year for $60 a pop, then found out i can do it myself for about $7 and it's very easy!!!! Remember, an a/c system is sealed. If you have to recharge, then there's a leak somewhere. For me, the once a year can of 134a is more justifiable than the $500 repair!!

[StepHome941]

I took my 2001 Toyota to the Valvoline place. Valvoline closed their location in North Port so the nearest one is on 776 in Englewood. But it was a leak so I had to take it to my mechanic, it needed a new evaporator. Since you also have a 2001 Toyota you may be having the same problem we did.

[ArmyChief]

Whatever you do....don't put sealant in that system!
If your technically inclined..PM me, I will send you some worksheets to fine tune your charge level.

[DennisDaMenace]

I have a small leak in my Passat, rather than go thru the expense of actually repairing it, about once a year I recharge the AC with a can I buy at Walmart for less than 20 bucks. It takes all of about 5 minutes to do. The directions are on the can.

[Harbor Hopper]

They're only $7 or 8 at big lots

[ArmyChief]

Lol...no hybrid, tree huggersin in THIS thread!

[HarborRat]

I always refill mine myself so I have the special hose with the gauge on it, cans for it are under $10.

Yours sounds like it might just be a "normal" leak. By normal I mean all A/C systems leak miniscule amounts a year, undetectable to leak sniffers but over 5-10-15 years it will need a small recharge to bring the refrigerant level back up. You can buy the can of freon with hose and gauge attached for under $20. It's a one time deal and then you throw it away, but if you expect to have to do it every year buy the hose and cans separately.

If you can put air in your tire you can add freon. At wal-mart or Big Lots look for 134a refrigerant. The cheapest with no additives is what you want. Just make sure you are filling on the low pressure port, not high.

[ArmyChief]

Those "gauges on cans" are not the best way to charge an A/C system. See, problem with HFC-134a..it cools slightly better when undercharged. However, being undercharged causes less oil to be transmitted to the compressor with the refrigerant. This causes compressor temperatures to rise.

Hence, I mentioned the worksheets I could send the OP. Performing temperature testing at the evaporator, condenser and delta of ambient vs duct is the best way.

[pcozad1]

I use Ice cold auto on 41. Have used them for a few years they are really good guys to work with. Always get us right in and have never had any problems with the repairs.