Find Out Which Aircon Gas Your Car Uses

In the UK, we rarely need to think about keeping cool in our cars until a summer heatwave hits, and then we're all left questioning whether it's time for an aircon regas. But to top up the gas in your aircon system, you need to know which type of gas it uses. That's where this guide comes in.

Contents

What are the two types of AC gas?

How do I find out which aircon gas is in my car?

What happens if you use the wrong type of refrigerant gas?

Why is R1234yf so expensive?

What are the two types of AC gas?

The two different types of aircon gas are R134a and R1234yf. 

R134a Aircon Gas

At one time, all cars used the same refrigerant gas, known as R134a. However, it was discovered to have a high Global Warming Potential (GWP) rating, so in 2011, the EU banned R134a refrigerant gas from being used in the AC systems of new cars, and it is now being phased out globally.

However, if your vehicle is old enough to use this aircon gas, you can still purchase it. R134a gas will remain in production for a while.

R1234yf Aircon Gas

The replacement of this is a refrigerant gas known as R1234yf, first introduced in 2015 as a more environmentally friendly alternative. Legislation in 2017 meant that manufacturers must begin using this more economical type of refrigerant gas for new car models. Several vehicle manufacturers switched to R1234yf before 2017, so today, there is a mixture of cars on the road using both types of aircon gas.

While many cars still use the old gas type, it’s estimated that in 2025, all vehicles will use the new version.

How do I find out which aircon gas is in my car?

Since some manufacturers switched to the new gas early, it can be tricky to know which of the two your car uses, especially if it was made just before the official switch. You can do a few different things to find out.

Consult your owner's manual

The owner's manual will typically contain detailed information about a car's specifications, including the refrigerant used. Look for a section that discusses the air conditioning system or refrigerant.

Check the under bonnet label

Open the bonnet of your car and look for a label or sticker on or near the air conditioning system components. The label may provide information about the type of refrigerant used. It is often located on the compressor, accumulator or engine bay area.

Contact your manufacturer or dealership

Contact the vehicle manufacturer's customer service line or your local dealership if you can't find the information in your owner's manual. Provide them with your vehicle's make, model, year and vehicle identification number (VIN), and they should be able to provide you with specific details about the air conditioning refrigerant used in your car.

How to locate your VIN number

To find your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), follow the steps below:

1. Check your vehicle documents. The VIN is usually listed on your vehicle's V5C logbook certificate and insurance documents.

2. Look through the windscreen. Stand outside the front of your vehicle and look at the corner where the windshield meets the dashboard on the driver's side. You should be able to see the VIN through the windshield from outside the vehicle.

3. Open the driver's side door. Check the door frame or the area where the door latches when closed. Look for a sticker or a metal plate with the VIN printed on it.

Consult a qualified mechanic

If you're still unsure about the type of air conditioning refrigerant in your car, consider taking it to a trusted mechanic or an automotive service centre. They have the expertise and tools to identify the refrigerant type accurately.

What happens if you use the wrong type of refrigerant gas for your car?

Using the wrong type of refrigerant gas in a car's air conditioning system can have several consequences, ranging from minor issues to more severe damage.

Inefficient cooling

Using the wrong refrigerant may not provide the desired cooling effect if it isn't compatible with the system's design.

Refrigerant leaks

Incompatible refrigerants can cause seals, gaskets, and O-rings within the system to deteriorate, leading to refrigerant leaks. Refrigerant leaks not only impact the cooling efficiency but can also harm the environment.

Safety risks

Using the wrong refrigerant can pose safety risks, particularly if the incorrect gas is flammable or reacts adversely with other components in the system. The R1234yf type of refrigerant gas is known to be a more flammable substance which requires special handling.

It's crucial to use the correct refrigerant type specified by the car manufacturer to avoid these issues. If the wrong refrigerant has been used in your car's air conditioning system, you should have it inspected by a qualified technician to prevent potential damage.

Why is R1234yf so expensive?

There are a couple of reasons why R1234yf might be more expensive compared to R134a or other refrigerants.

Market demand

Due to being a newer product set for permanent usage, the demand for R1234yf is higher than for R134a gas, resulting in higher manufacturing costs.

Regulations

Governments have been implementing stricter regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. R1234yf, with a lower GWP than R134a, is compliant with many of these regulations.

While the average cost of an aircon regas booked with FixMyCar is £66.57*, this price can vary depending on whether your car requires the old or new type of car refrigerant gas.

Does your car need an aircon regas? At FixMyCar, we can help you compare quotes from trained specialists in your area.

If you found this guide helpful, you might also like:

• What is an aircon regas and why do I need one?

• Can I recharge my car's aircon by myself?

• Why is my car aircon not cold?

• How much does it cost for an aircon regas?