If you’re wondering how often should you service your car AC, the short answer is this. Most vehicles should have their air conditioning system checked and serviced every 1 to 2 years. That keeps the refrigerant where it should be, stops small leaks turning into expensive repairs, and keeps your AC ice cold through the Aussie summer.
The real answer depends on your system’s age, how much you drive, local conditions, and whether your AC is already showing warning signs. This guide breaks it all down so you know exactly when to book a service and what you’ll get for your money.
Quick Summary
- Service your car AC every 1–2 years
- Regassing alone is not a full service
- Older vehicles and high-use cars may need yearly checks
- Weak cooling, smells, foggy windows and strange noises all mean it is time to book
- Newer refrigerants like R-1234yf still need regular checks
- Perth heat speeds up wear and tear on AC components
- A proper AC service protects your compressor, evaporator and cabin air quality
How Often Should You Service Your Car AC?
The General Rule: Every 1–2 Years
For most cars, a complete AC inspection and service every 1 to 2 years is ideal. A proper service should include:
- Checking refrigerant levels and pressures
- Inspecting hoses, seals and connections
- Checking compressor performance
- Testing evaporator and vent temperature
- Checking and clearing AC drains
- Leak testing the system
- Checking or replacing the cabin air filter
This is very different to a quick roadside regas. A proper AC service is more thorough, prevents breakdowns and extends the life of your system. For an in-depth explanation, see what is an AC service for a car.
High-Use Vehicles
If you spend long hours on the road, for example FIFO workers, sales reps, rideshare drivers or couriers, your AC runs much more often. High-use vehicles are better off booking AC servicing every 12 months, especially before summer.
Older Vehicles
Cars older than 10 years usually benefit from yearly checks. Seals, hoses and the dryer age faster and are more likely to leak, which is why older utes, 4WDs and classics have more AC issues.
If you are running an older or classic vehicle that needs more than a basic service, you may find our 1970 Ford XY GT Falcon AC retrofit case study useful.
Cars With R-1234yf
Many late-model vehicles now use R-1234yf refrigerant. It is more environmentally friendly but still needs regular checks. System design and component costs mean it is even more important to prevent leaks. Learn more in is R1234yf regas available in Perth.
Signs Your Car AC Needs Servicing Now
Even if you do not remember when the last service was done, your AC will usually give you clues. Look for the following warning signs.
1. Weak Cooling
If it takes much longer than usual to cool the cabin, or never really gets cold at all, you likely have low refrigerant, a leak or a performance issue. See the full reasons in why is your car air conditioner not getting cold.
2. Bad Smells From the Vents
A mouldy, damp or “gym bag” smell means bacteria or mould is growing on the evaporator or inside the vents. Fix it early or it spreads quickly. Read why does the air conditioning in your car smell.
3. Foggy Windows Even With AC On
If your windscreen fogs up even when the AC is running, it can point to moisture trapped in the system, low refrigerant or airflow issues.
4. Strange Noises
Clicking, squealing, grinding or rattling when the AC runs can indicate a failing compressor or worn pulleys. For a deeper look, see how to tell if your car air conditioner compressor is bad.
5. Leaks or Oily Residue
Clear water under the car is normally just condensation. Oily residue around AC lines, fittings or under the bonnet usually means a refrigerant leak and should be checked as soon as possible.
6. AC Taking Too Long to Demist
If your AC is slow to clear a fogged windscreen, it can mean low refrigerant or a blocked cabin filter.
7. Higher Fuel or EV Battery Use
If you drive an EV, your AC system affects range. See protect your EVs battery the critical role of aircon servicing.
Factors That Affect How Often You Should Service Your AC
Perth Heat
High ambient temperatures put more strain on your AC. The system has to work harder to pull heat out of the cabin, which speeds up wear on components and increases the impact of low refrigerant.
Dust, Pollen and Sand
WA conditions are tough on filters and evaporators. Dust, sand and pollen clog the cabin filter and coat the evaporator, which restricts airflow and creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
Ageing Seals and Hoses
Rubber components naturally harden and crack over time, especially in high heat. That is why older vehicles are more prone to leaks and often need more frequent servicing.
Frequent Short Trips
Short trips mean the AC system does not run long enough to fully evaporate moisture. That moisture can stay in the system, increasing the risk of odours and corrosion.
Off Road and 4WD Use
If you spend time crawling in low range or idling with the AC running, your compressor is working hard when the airflow over the condenser is not ideal. That extra strain makes regular checks even more valuable.
How Often Should EVs and Hybrids Service Their AC?
Electric vehicles and many hybrids use the AC system not just for cabin comfort, but also for cooling the battery and power electronics. That makes AC maintenance even more critical.
For EVs and hybrids, an AC inspection every 12 months is a smart move, with full servicing as required based on usage and age.
For more EV specific details, see our ev air conditioning guide.
You can also learn more about overall EV maintenance in our electric car service overview.
How Much Does Servicing Your Car AC Cost?
A full AC service and regas in Perth typically costs around $199, which is what we charge for our comprehensive service.
If you want the numbers broken down, including what affects price and why some cars cost more, read car aircon regas cost guide.
You might also see cheap offers advertised. Before you jump on them, it is worth reading why you should avoid cheap car a c services.
What Happens During a Car AC Service?
A proper AC service includes:
- Recovering and weighing refrigerant
- Leak detection
- Pressure testing
- Compressor and clutch operation testing
- Vent temperature checks
- Inspection of belts, pulleys and electrical controls
- Cabin filter check
- System performance testing
For a detailed breakdown, see what is an AC service for a car.
How Long Does an AC Service Take?
A proper AC service usually takes 45 to 90 minutes, depending on:
- System condition
- Whether leaks are found
- Refrigerant type
- Whether any components need replacement
If the compressor is noisy or failing, repairing or replacing it will add time and cost. Our detailed how to tell if your car air conditioner compressor is bad guide walks through the symptoms in more depth.
Why Regular AC Servicing Matters
Car AC systems are not perfectly sealed. Even when everything is working, they lose a small amount of refrigerant each year. Over time, that drop in refrigerant causes poor cooling, higher compressor load and increased fuel or battery use.
Regular servicing helps prevent:
- Refrigerant leaks
- Cracked or hardened seals
- Dust, mould and bacteria build-up
- Moisture damage in the dryer
- Compressor strain and early failure
If you have ever jumped into your car on a 38 degree Perth afternoon and the AC only blows lukewarm air, that is often what has gone wrong. For more detail on this, see why is your car air conditioner not getting cold.
How Often to Regas Your Car Aircon?
Most systems only need a regas every 2–3 years, provided there are no leaks.
If you’re unsure whether your system is due, read how to tell if your car aircon needs regassing.
Curious how long it takes? See how long does aircon regassing take.
How Often Should You Clean Your Car AC?
Cleaning the evaporator, vents and cabin filter area helps prevent bacteria and bad smells, and improves airflow. A good rule of thumb is to clean the system every 6 to 12 months, especially if you:
- Have allergies or asthma
- Travel with pets regularly
- Live or work in dusty environments
For a step-by-step approach, see how to clean a car air con.
What About Different Car AC Refrigerant Types?
Different vehicles use different refrigerants, most commonly R-134a or R-1234yf. Each has its own servicing requirements and costs. Our the different types of car ac refrigerant article explains the differences and what that means when you book a service.
Final Advice: Do It Before the Heat Hits
Most people only think about their air conditioning when the first heatwave hits. By that stage, workshops across Perth are already booked out and small issues have had months to get worse.
If you service your car AC before summer:
- You get shorter wait times
- You are less likely to face sudden failures
- Cooling performance is noticeably better
- Your compressor and other components last longer
- The air inside the cabin is cleaner and healthier
Need Your Car AC Serviced?
With over 20 years of hands on experience, dual trade qualifications and a team that lives and breathes auto electrics, we know how to keep your AC performing in Perth conditions.
Whether you need a routine AC service, leak detection, regas, compressor diagnosis or full system overhaul, we can help.
Learn more about our car air con service in Perth and book your $199 AC service today.