Air Con Re-gas in Salcombe

Salcombe is an estuary resort with very steep, narrow streets, limited parking, boats and sailing, and heavy holiday traffic. Sitting in a slow line of cars on a hot day with warm air coming from the vents is the moment most people decide to sort their air con.

Better to do it before then. Automaster, trading as Clutchmaster at Automaster, has full facilities for air con re-gas on all makes and models of petrol and diesel car, and drivers from the coast come to us at Longcombe Cross, near Totnes.

Why is my car air con blowing warm?

Air con systems lose refrigerant slowly over time, even without a fault, and eventually the cold air fades. Other clues are a cabin that is slow to cool, a musty smell when you switch it on, or a noise from the compressor.

Drivers around Salcombe tend to be using their cars in slow, hilly conditions, which makes a weak air con very noticeable. It is worth sorting before the busy season rather than during it.

• Air not cold
• Slow to cool the cabin
• Musty smell from the vents
• Compressor noise

What happens during a re-gas?

We follow four steps. First the old gas is removed. Then the system is vacuumed and checked for leaks, oil and dye are added, and finally new gas goes in and the temperature is checked.

That order matters, because putting new gas into a tired system without checking it first is how a re-gas ends up short-lived.

If you only remember one thing, it is that the vacuum and leak check comes before the new gas. A system that cannot hold gas will lose the new charge, and a re-gas on a badly leaking one will not last.

What does a Salcombe air con recharge cost?

Our starting prices depend on the gas. In short, from £50 for R134a and from £99 for R1234yf, the newer type.

R134a cars need no booking: turn up, wait while we work, and carry on. Ask for a quote if you are unsure which gas your car has.

Not sure which gas? Do not guess. The two refrigerants are not interchangeable, and a quick look at the label or handbook saves any confusion.

Is my car R134a or R1234yf?

R134a is the older refrigerant; R1234yf is the newer one, typically fitted from around 2017 onward. Check the label under the bonnet or the handbook, because the two gases are not interchangeable.

Parking in Salcombe is limited, so many local drivers are used to planning journeys. Bringing the car to Automaster for an R134a re-gas is simple: turn up and wait while it is done.

Do you cover Salcombe, and where do I bring my car?

Yes, Salcombe drivers are welcome, along with people from Kingsbridge, Thurlestone, Loddiswell and Bantham. Bring the car to Longcombe Cross, near Totnes, where the garage is. Use the quote form or the quote line if you have questions first.