How Often Should You Regas Your Car Air Con? A Complete Guide for Drivers in Newport, Lymington & Ringwood

When the summer sun blazes down or the winter mist clouds your windscreen, your car’s air conditioning system steps in to keep your journey safe and comfortable. But like all mechanical systems, your AC needs maintenance — and the most common is a simple service known as a regas.

At Best Garages Ltd, we provide professional air conditioning services, including refrigerant regassing, at all our branches in Newport, Lymington, and Ringwood. In this post, we explain everything you need to know: what regassing is, why it matters, how often to do it, what it costs, and how to book.

What Is a Car Air Con Regas?

A regas (also known as a recharge) is the process of removing old refrigerant gas from your air conditioning system and replacing it with new gas. Over time, refrigerant levels drop due to small leaks and natural seepage, making your system less effective at cooling and demisting.

The regas process also includes vacuum testing the system for leaks and reintroducing lubricant to keep seals and components in good condition.

Why Is It Important?

Your car’s air conditioning does more than cool you down on a sunny day. It also plays a key role in:

• Clearing windscreen fog in cold or wet conditions
• Filtering pollen and dust from the cabin air
• Maintaining comfort during long drives or with passengers
• Preventing bacteria and mould buildup in the ventilation system

A poorly functioning AC system can lead to slow defogging, unpleasant smells, and even engine strain as components like the compressor overwork. Regassing restores system pressure, cooling performance, and fuel efficiency.

How Often Should You Regas Your Air Con?

We recommend having your air conditioning regassed every 2–3 years. However, if you notice any signs of performance drop, you may need it sooner.

It’s also a good idea to book a regas if:

• Your AC hasn’t been serviced in over 24 months
• You notice a musty smell when you turn on the system
• Your vents blow warm or room-temperature air
• It takes longer to demist your windscreen
• Your engine seems to labour when the AC is on

What Gas Does Your Car Use?

There are two main types of refrigerant gas used in cars:

• R134a – Found in most vehicles manufactured before 2017
• R1234yf – Required in all new vehicles sold from 2017 onwards under EU regulation

R1234yf is more environmentally friendly but often more expensive. At Best Garages Ltd, we’re equipped to service both gas types, so no matter what you drive, we can help.

How Does the Regas Process Work?

Our regas procedure typically includes the following steps:

1. Connect the AC machine to your car’s low- and high-pressure ports
2. Remove any remaining refrigerant and oil from the system
3. Vacuum the system to check for leaks
4. Add UV dye if needed to detect slow leaks
5. Recharge the system with the correct refrigerant and lubricant
6. Check pressure levels and ensure the compressor is functioning
7. Test cabin vent temperature and airflow

The entire process usually takes 45 to 60 minutes.

What Else Might Be Included?

We also offer optional services to ensure your air con stays fresh:

• Anti-bacterial clean: Eliminates odours and kills mould spores
• Cabin filter replacement: Improves air quality inside the car
• AC performance test: For diagnosing cooling issues

These are especially recommended if your system has developed a damp or musty smell.

How Much Does It Cost?

Regas pricing at Best Garages Ltd is competitive and transparent. Here’s what you can expect:

• R134a system regas: From £59.95
• R1234yf system regas: From £89.95
• Optional anti-bacterial treatment: £10–£25

We will confirm your refrigerant type before proceeding and give you a clear price up front. There are no hidden extras.

What If There’s a Leak?

We check for leaks as part of every regas. If we find a slow leak or component issue — such as a damaged condenser, hose, or compressor — we’ll advise you before carrying out any repairs.

Minor leaks can sometimes be sealed with UV dye and stop-leak additives. For larger issues, we provide full AC diagnostics and component replacement using high-quality parts.

How to Maintain Your Air Con Between Regas Services

You can extend the life of your AC system with these simple tips:

• Run the AC for 10–15 minutes weekly (even in winter) to keep seals lubricated
• Use the demist setting regularly to prevent moisture build-up
• Keep cabin filters clean and change them annually
• Book a service at the first sign of poor performance

Like oil changes and MOTs, regular air con maintenance helps prevent major issues later.

Why Choose Best Garages Ltd?

Drivers across the South Coast trust Best Garages Ltd for affordable, expert air con services. Here’s why:

• Trained technicians with air con certification
• Modern equipment for both R134a and R1234yf systems
• Transparent pricing with no pressure sales
• Branches in Newport, Lymington & Ringwood
• Optional while-you-wait service available by appointment

Whether it’s a quick top-up or full AC diagnostics, you’re in safe hands with our experienced team.

Book Your Air Con Regas Today

Don’t wait until your AC stops working on the hottest (or coldest) day of the year. Booking is simple:

• Book online in less than 2 minutes
• Call your nearest branch directly
• Or stop by — we’ll do our best to fit you in

Still unsure if you need a regas? We can check system pressure and vent temperature to let you know. If your car doesn’t need a regas yet, we’ll tell you — honestly and without obligation.

Click here to book your air con regas with Best Garages Ltd

Cool, clear, and comfortable — all year round.