Car Air Conditioning: More Than Just Cold Air

There is nothing quite like a Mid North Coast summer, but there is also nothing quite as miserable as a failing car air conditioner when the mercury hits 35 degrees. At Great Lakes Auto Centre, we often have customers come in asking for a “quick regas.” However, we want our Tuncurry and Forster locals to understand that if the gas is low, there is a reason—and simply topping it up is often a waste of money.

Why a “Regas” Isn’t Always the Answer

Your air conditioning system is a sealed, high-pressure loop. Under ideal conditions, the refrigerant gas should never “run out.” If your aircon is blowing warm, it means there is a leak.

• The Environmental Cost: Refrigerant gas is a potent greenhouse gas. It is actually illegal to knowingly refill a leaking system.
• The Mechanical Cost: The refrigerant also carries the oil that lubricates the AC compressor. If the gas is gone, the oil isn’t moving, and your expensive compressor will soon seize up.

Our Comprehensive AC Service

When you bring your car to us, we don’t just “top it up.” We perform:

1. Pressure Testing: Using nitrogen to find the source of the leak.
2. UV Dye Injection: This allows us to find tiny, intermittent leaks that only appear when the car is moving.
3. Cabin Filter Replacement: Often, the air is cold, but the smell is musty. This is due to bacteria buildup on the cabin filter. We replace these to ensure you’re breathing clean air.

The Bosch Standard of Cooling

As a Bosch Car Service centre, we use the latest recovery and charging stations. This ensures that the exact weight of gas—down to the gram—is added to your system. The Great Lakes Difference is our thoroughness. We check the condenser for stone damage and ensure the cooling fans are engaging correctly. Don’t let the humidity ruin your drive; let the experts at Great Lakes Auto Centre keep you cool and comfortable all summer long.

Book online or call (02) 6590 1375 today for all your car air-conditioning needs.