AC Recharge Kit Void My Vehicle Warranty

Do-it-yourself AC recharge kits allow you to add refrigerant into your air conditioning system. Recharge kits can seem like a cheap, quick fix for your car’s air conditioning problems. However, they can actually lead to more expensive problems if not used correctly. AC recharge kits can cause contaminants to enter the system, causing hoses to plug and potentially corrode parts of the compressor and other AC components. In addition, using a recharge kit can waste refrigerant that could leak right back out the system.

If your air conditioner stopped blowing cool air, the chances are good it lost some refrigerant over the winter. This happens because the o-rings in your AC system can get worn out over time. However, if you use a a/c recharge kit for car and the refrigerant leaks out again, the problem is more likely due to a larger leak in the system that needs to be repaired professionally.

The o-rings in your car’s AC system aren’t just made of rubber, they also have metal inserts that seal around them. These metal inserts can wear out over time, and this is what causes refrigerant to leak out of the system. AC recharge kits typically don’t include any o-ring replacements, so you’ll just have to deal with the leak until it can be replaced by a professional.

Does Using an AC Recharge Kit Void My Vehicle Warranty?

Whether or not it voids your vehicle warranty is up to the automaker. Many automotive companies will refuse to honor a warranty claim if they detect evidence of misuse or abuse. This can include street racing, driving off-road, or other activities that put the vehicle at risk of a catastrophic failure. While it may be impossible to prove you raced your car, an automaker can void the warranty for the entire vehicle in this case.

While most cars require their air conditioners to be recharged with new refrigerant from time to time, it’s important to have the refrigerant type that’s specified by your owner’s manual. Most DIY recharge kits contain generic refrigerant that can damage the o-rings in your AC compressor and hoses. This will cost you more money in the long run and can make your vehicle less dependable.

Many automotive stores sell recharge kits that are compatible with the refrigerant type in your vehicle. However, many recharge kits only measure the pressure on one side of the system, making it easy to overcharge your air conditioning. An overcharged system will blow hot air instead of cold and can cost you thousands in repairs.

Many people purchase car accessories from unauthorized auto shops to improve the performance of their vehicles. While this is technically legal, it’s a good idea to stick with OEM car parts and avoid third-party aftermarket modifications. Non-OEM parts can void your warranty, and they could cause problems with other components in the car if they fail. It’s also a good idea to have any non-OEM car parts installed by a trusted automotive service center.