A/C top off cans.....worth it?

[CodeRedR51]

The A/C in my car works great after you've been driving down the road for a bit. But if you're in stop and go traffic or just sitting at a light, it doesn't work so well. I was going to get it recharged at my work for the cost of the freon, but the machine broke.

Has anyone used one of those top-off cans? Do they actually work?

 

[Slash]

I've used them before. They work, but my ducts had holes in it so it didn't last long. But yeah, they work.

 

[niky]

If you're losing refrigerant, it's more cost-effective to simply get the system fixed than to keep pouring stuff into the system and having it leak out within a few days or weeks.

 

[Pupik]

The A/C in my car works great after you've been driving down the road for a bit. But if you're in stop and go traffic or just sitting at a light, it doesn't work so well.

Sounds like the radiator fan or the fan clutch is broken. The fan spins somewhat because there's airflow over it and the condenser, but after you stop, the lack of airflow means the condensed air gets stale rather quickly.

If you're losing refrigerant, it's more cost-effective to simply get the system fixed than to keep pouring stuff into the system and having it leak out within a few days or weeks.

If the leak is major enough, you're just throwing out money. Or risk over pressurizing the system and creating a leak.

Nothing really makes an A/C leak go away except to throw lots of hundred dollar bills at it.

 

[Joel]

Same issue here, my AC works fine when you're driving on the country roads at 80-90 km/h, or on the highways at 120 km/h, but in town or in stop and go traffic it's not so great.

 

[opelgt1969]

They are two types of top off cans. See which suits you best I've used them and my A/C is still working after 2 months. The two types are 1) with gauge on can 2) with gauge on hose that you can just buy another can for. One cost more than the other but I'm thinking either are under $25. I've heard that they might be outlawing these like they did the R12, so you might want to watch and buy some up if they do. I'm sure we'll have several months if they do to buy plenty.
And WOW gauge pops up as spelled incorrect.

 

[CodeRedR51]

If you're losing refrigerant, it's more cost-effective to simply get the system fixed than to keep pouring stuff into the system and having it leak out within a few days or weeks.

Car is a 2006. If there was a leak I'd know it, and I'm sure the A/C would have quit working all together by now. I'm thinking it's just never been recharged since new.

Sounds like the radiator fan or the fan clutch is broken. The fan spins somewhat because there's airflow over it and the condenser, but after you stop, the lack of airflow means the condensed air gets stale rather quickly.

Fan works fine. Takes forever to kick on (220*+ F) but it cools the car down rather quickly.

 

[oopssorryy]

If you don't have a leak then a top off can will do nothing for you. I would get a small one and use it. If it helps you have a leak. If it doesn't help then you have other issues.

 

[AMCNUT]

The can probably wouldn't be worth it as it's a temporary solution at best. Like the others said, it's just throwing good money after bad. Just drive with the windows down - that does the job almost as well and costs far less! 👍 It's worked for me.

 

[ghsnu]

If you're losing refrigerant, it's more cost-effective to simply get the system fixed than to keep pouring stuff into the system and having it leak out within a few days or weeks.

Learned from experience. Compressor had a huge crack in the bottom of it, didn't notice till months later when I noticed something dripping off my crankshaft pully - turned out to be refrigerant. Called up a local AC shop and scored a deal - $600 compressor for around $350. Afterwards, my AC's been colder than even my parent's cars.

Ontopic: My mom's car also has a issue somewhat like this. Takes longer than it should (or so it seems) to cool down. Hopefully it's not the "black death".

The can probably wouldn't be worth it as it's a temporary solution at best. Like the others said, it's just throwing good money after bad. Just drive with the windows down - that does the job almost as well and costs far less! 👍 It's worked for me.

And this. I've been driving for a year now and only used AC when my parents or a friend was with me - other than that, its been: get in, start the car, roll the window down, turn up the radio, and go. And in the 100*+ heat too. Who needs AC when nature can provide plenty?

 

[nobuffalo]

If there is a bit of a leak 25 bucks to get you through a couple summer months sounds like a no brainer. No way of knowing till you try it(actually I'm sure there is), I would try it.

 

[CodeRedR51]

And this. I've been driving for a year now and only used AC when my parents or a friend was with me - other than that, its been: get in, start the car, roll the window down, turn up the radio, and go. And in the 100*+ heat too. Who needs AC when nature can provide plenty?

You probably don't have a 50 mile, ~1 hour drive home from work.

 

[Joel]

I try not to use AC, but when it's 40 degrees out, humid, and the car's been sitting in the sun all day, rolling the window down isn't enough.