A car AC service is more than just a regas. It’s a full inspection, recovery and recharge of refrigerant, system pressure checks, leak detection, cleaning, and performance testing. Done right, it keeps your cabin cool, protects your compressor, and ensures your A/C runs safely and efficiently.
At Voltaic, our $199 car aircon service includes a professional regas, system test, and health check — so you can stay comfortable through Perth’s summers.
This guide covers everything you need to know about car AC servicing including how car air conditioning works, common issues, costs, regas timing, EV considerations, cleaning tips, and FAQs.
How Does a Car Aircon Work?
Your A/C doesn’t make cold air — it moves heat. The compressor pumps refrigerant as a high-pressure gas, the condenser cools it outside the cabin, the expansion valve drops the pressure, and the evaporator absorbs cabin heat. Fans, filters and blend doors then push cooled, dry air through your vents. In electric vehicles, compressors often double as battery thermal managers, making service even more important.
Why Your Car Aircon Might Not Be Getting Cold
If your A/C blows warm, the usual suspects are low refrigerant, a failing condenser fan, clogged cabin filter, or compressor issues. Modern cars can also disable A/C under engine stress. We’ve broken down the causes and quick checks in our guide: Why Your Car Air Conditioner Is Not Getting Cold.
How to Tell If Your Compressor Is Bad
The compressor is the heart of the system. Look for grinding noises, leaks around fittings, weak cooling, or frequent fuse blows. Ignoring these can contaminate the whole system. More details here: How to Tell If Your Car Air Conditioner Compressor Is Bad.
How to Clean a Car Aircon
A musty smell? Weak airflow? You may have a dirty evaporator or blocked cabin filter. Cleaning includes replacing the filter, using foaming cleaner on the evaporator, and disinfecting ducts. Learn the safe steps here: How to Clean a Car Air Con.
What Is Car Aircon Regassing?
Regassing restores refrigerant to the correct weight and oil balance, after vacuum-testing for leaks. It’s not a routine “top-up” — if your gas is low, there’s a leak that needs fixing.
Car Aircon Regas Cost
Costs vary depending on refrigerant type, system size and whether leaks are found. See price factors in our Car Aircon Regas Cost Guide.
How Long a Regas Takes
If no faults are present, a proper regas with vacuum and test usually fits within a workshop visit. Find average timings here: How Long Does Aircon Regassing Take.
Heater Issues Are Part of AC Service Too
A car’s heater shares the HVAC system. If you’ve lost cabin heat, it might be coolant-related, a thermostat fault, or a blend door actuator. See common fixes in Why Is My Car Heater Not Working.
EV Air Conditioning: What’s Different?
In EVs, the aircon keeps both you and the battery cool. Many run heat pumps or high-voltage compressors, making regular servicing essential for range and battery health. Read more in our EV Air Conditioning Guide.
Regular Maintenance That Matters
- Replace cabin filters every 12–24 months.
- Clean condensers to maintain airflow.
- Run A/C weekly to lubricate seals.
- Fix leaks promptly — refrigerant carries oil.
- Check sensors and software with proper diagnostics.
Book your $199 car aircon service and our techs will handle it properly.
FAQs
Does a car aircon use petrol?
Yes. In petrol or diesel cars, the compressor is belt-driven, adding engine load. In EVs, it draws battery power and affects range.
Can I regas my car aircon myself?
No. Regassing requires licensed equipment in Australia. DIY cans risk contamination and higher costs. Safer to book a car aircon service.
How often should I regas?
Not on a set schedule. If cooling drops, test for leaks first. See details in our Car Aircon Regas Cost Guide.
Why isn’t my aircon cold at idle but fine at speed?
Often a condenser fan failure, restricted airflow, or low refrigerant. See Why Your Car Air Conditioner Is Not Getting Cold.
How long does a regas take?
Typically an hour with no repairs needed. More info here: How Long Does Aircon Regassing Take.
My A/C smells bad. What should I do?
Replace the filter and clean the evaporator. Full guide: How to Clean a Car Air Con.
Is a weak A/C always a compressor issue?
Not always. Check symptoms here: How to Tell If Your Car Air Conditioner Compressor Is Bad.
Do EVs need A/C servicing?
Yes. It’s vital for both comfort and battery management. See EV Air Conditioning Guide.
When to Book an AC Service
If your car’s cooling is weak, noisy, smelly or inconsistent, it’s time to act. At Voltaic, we offer expert, licensed servicing with transparent pricing and flexible scheduling. Book your $199 car aircon service today and keep your ride running cool and smooth.