How to Detect Freon Leaks

A ride in the desert necessities a working air conditioner in your car.

Air conditioning systems make our modern day rides a pleasure, especially in hot climates and in the summer. When an air conditioning system is not working properly, the first thing to do is to detect the problem. Sometimes it is the air conditioning itself, while others times the system might be low in freon. Some systems will have slow freon leaks. You can replace the freon, but you first need to find out if you have a leak and where your freon leak is. There are several ways to do this.

Things You'll Need

• Freon sniffer
• Leak Spray
• Mechanic
• Water Bottle
• Soap
• Water

Instructions

1. Purchase a freon sniffer. These electronic devices are rather expensive. If you can not purchase one yourself, make sure the mechanic you take your car to has a freon sniffer. These devices are capable of detecting even the smallest freon leak.

2. Purchase a freon leak spray at your car dealer or parts store. Spray the leak spray on the air conditioner hoses. Look for any bubbles that might come out of the hoses. This is where your freon leaks are coming from.

3. Make a mixture of soap and water. Place in a spray bottle. Spray the soap and water on the air conditioning hoses. Again, look for any bubbles that come out of the hoses.

4. Take your car to a mechanic. Many mechanics can detect the leak, repair it and put new freon in the air conditioner for one price.

References

• Swedish Bricks: Air Conditioning FAQ's
• Refrigeration-engineer
• 1800 Anytime: AC Maintenace