Hello Folks,

With the weather warming up in SoCal, I noticed that my AC hasn’t been as fierce as I’m used to for a car under 15 years old. Watched some YouTube videos and decided to give it a charge using an AC Pros can from my local Auto Zone. I followed the steps and I made sure to use the gauge properly and not overfill the line. AC blows very cold now, happy with the results.
Wondering though; Does anyone think this was a bad idea? If so, why? Just looking for more information regarding this process and the product used. Thanks!

 

If you didn't vacuum the system, and then fill refrigerant from 0, by weight, you likely have too much or too little. It might be a problem, or it might not be. Good luck!
A vacuum pump and a manifold can be found for under a hundred bucks on Amazon. Take the car to a shop to have the old refrigerant removed. It's easy enough to do it right.

 

The AC system is a sealed system. If it was low then you have a leak and will be doing this again. Likewise, the AC system needs to be dry. As you potentially have a leak, humid air could contaminate the system. The drier for example is supposed to remove any residual moisture from the system to protect the other AC components. But it does that best in a sealed system.

However, I have filled up AC systems doing the same thing before. As they can be expensive to fix. If you do ever get it fixed, have the drier replaced as well.

 

So let’s say that it doesn’t have a leak, I did use the gauge to make sure I didn’t overfill the system. Is all ok? I’m pretty sure the next I service the AC I will take it to a shop for a full drain and refill.

 

Should be OK. An overcharge high enough to cause problems will cause reduced cooling and eventually the car will cut power to the compressor as the excessive system pressure is detected. Don't ask me how I know this.

 

The gauge shows pressure, not the number of ounces of refrigerant.
Think fuel pressure, not amount of gas in the tank.

It's a hundred bucks to buy all the equipment, watching youtube videos to gain the knowledge is free, and you can then evac and refill any AC system, and know you did it right. When I did mine, the gauge showed good way before I actually had the right amount in there. Once it was correct, a thermometer in the center vent, drivers side (which was blowing hot before the refill) was reading 37 (on a cloudy 90 degree day). But, as said, the system should protect itself, and from my experience it would be hard to put too much in by mistake. I'm guessing it's probably still a little low and you could get more efficiency out of it, but you're likely fine.

 

All of the above comments make sense. Thank you for insight, it is much appreciated! 💯💯💯

 

air and moisture should be vacuumed out