Professional Aircon Diagnostics Done Correctly
Modern vehicle air-conditioning systems require precise handling to avoid damage and poor performance. Our workshop-based aircon diagnostics and servicing process focuses on proper refrigerant recovery, vacuum testing and precision recharging to manufacturer specifications.
When should your vehicle aircon be serviced?
Vehicle air-conditioning systems do not require routine regassing as part of normal maintenance, as refrigerant is not consumed during normal use. In a properly sealed system, the refrigerant circulates continuously rather than being “used up”. However, aircon servicing is typically required when there is a noticeable change in performance, or when the system has not been professionally assessed in a long time. During diagnostic servicing, the existing refrigerant is recovered and measured, and only the required amount is replaced to restore the system to manufacturer specification. Common signs your aircon may need servicing include: •Cooling is weaker than normal •The system takes longer to get cold •Aircon performance is inconsistent •Cooling varies during longer drives or heavy traffic •The system has not been serviced or checked in several years In addition to performance-related symptoms, periodic diagnostic servicing is recommended as a preventative measure. As a general guideline, aircon diagnostics and recovery-based servicing is recommended every 4–6 years, even if no obvious issues are present. This allows system condition, moisture levels and oil balance to be assessed before problems develop. On older or long-neglected systems, extended recovery processes may be recommended to address deeper moisture or contamination concerns.
What This Service Includes
Our aircon diagnostics and servicing process is designed to assess system condition before any corrective work is performed. This ensures the system is safe to recharge and operates as intended.
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Recovery of existing refrigerant
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Deep vacuum process to remove air and moisture
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Vacuum hold testing to check system integrity
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Oil balance correction where applicable
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Precision refrigerant recharging by weight
Each step is performed using professional equipment in a controlled workshop environment.
Mechanical Repairs & System Faults
Our service focuses on aircon diagnostics and corrective servicing only. Before any refrigerant is added, the system is assessed to ensure it can safely hold pressure. If the system fails integrity testing or shows signs of leakage or component failure, corrective recharging will not be carried out. Mechanical aircon repairs are not performed on-site. Where repairs are required, we will advise accordingly and recommend re-booking once repairs have been completed.
Suitable For
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Passenger vehicles
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SUVs and bakkies
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R134a & R1234yf air-conditioning systems
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Modern vehicles with sensitive HVAC systems
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Vehicles already booked in for detailing or workshop services
Pricing
Aircon Diagnostics & Servicing is priced in two parts:
🔧 1. Diagnostic & Service Fee — R550
This fee covers:
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Refrigerant recovery
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Vacuum process & moisture removal
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System integrity (vacuum hold) testing
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Machine time & technician time
This fee applies to all vehicles, regardless of outcome.
If a system does not pass integrity testing, corrective recharging might not be carried out, and the diagnostic fee still applies.
❄️ 2. Refrigerant Charge (by measured quantity used)
Refrigerant is charged by weight, as measured and recorded by the machine.
A service report / ticket is provided after completion.
Refrigerant rates:
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R134a: R140 per started 100g
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R1234yf: R380 per started 100g
Refrigerant is billed per started 100g unit. Actual quantities added are recorded on the service ticket.
Refrigerant is charged by weight, as measured and recorded by the machine.
A service report / ticket is provided after completion.
Aircon servicing is subject to system integrity testing. Corrective recharging is only performed on systems that pass testing. Mechanical repairs are not performed on-site
Optional: Extended (Deep) Recovery Process
In certain cases, an extended recovery and vacuum process may be recommended to improve system condition and moisture removal. Deep recovery is not a routine step and is not required for all vehicles. It is only recommended when deemed beneficial based on system condition, age, service history, or diagnostic test results. This process involves longer recovery and vacuum cycles, increased moisture removal, and additional machine runtime compared to standard servicing. Optional deep recovery fee: R395 Deep recovery is performed only when recommended following initial diagnostics.
⏱ Service Duration
Aircon diagnostics and servicing typically takes approximately 15-30 minutes, depending on system condition and testing requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t you just top up the aircon gas?
Modern vehicle air-conditioning systems are sensitive and require proper recovery, vacuum testing and measured recharging. Blind top-ups can lead to poor performance, compressor damage, and moisture contamination. For this reason, we only service systems using a full diagnostic-led process.
What happens if my system has a leak or fault?
If a system fails integrity testing or cannot hold vacuum, corrective recharging will not be carried out. Mechanical repairs are required before servicing can continue. We will advise accordingly and the vehicle can be re-booked once repairs are completed.
Why is there a diagnostic fee even if no gas is added?
The diagnostic & service fee covers the recovery process, vacuum testing, system checks, machine time and technician time. These steps are required to assess the system safely, regardless of whether recharging is completed.
How do you know how much refrigerant is added?
Refrigerant is measured and charged by weight using professional equipment. The exact quantity added is recorded on the service ticket provided after completion.
Why is refrigerant billed per 100g unit?
Refrigerant is billed per started 100g unit to ensure accurate handling, correct procedures and consistency. Actual quantities added are always recorded on the service ticket for transparency.
How long does the service take?
Aircon diagnostics and servicing typically takes approximately 60–90 minutes, depending on system condition and testing requirements.
Is this service mobile?
No. Aircon diagnostics and servicing is performed at our workshop only. Professional aircon servicing requires controlled equipment and correct handling procedures and is offered by appointment only.
Do you do aircon repairs?
No. We specialise in diagnostics and corrective servicing only. Mechanical aircon repairs are not performed on-site.