Most car air conditioning systems use a refrigerant that is a gas. In cars produced after 1993, the standard systems include R134A and 1234YF. In order to check the pressure in your vehicle, a special machine, based on your vehicle’s system, will be connected to your vehicle and the pressures will be measured. The technician will compare your vehicle’s reading to the manufacturer’s specifications to determine how much refrigerant is needed to restore the system to normal conditions.

The vehicle’s air conditioning system does not demand fuel for operation; however, fuel is used to create the energy needed for the air conditioning to function. The air conditioner receives energy from the alternator that is powered by the engine and fuel is needed to power the engine. The more energy the engine demands, the more fuel is needed.

How to make the air conditioning in your car blow colder depends on the kind of problem your air conditioner is experiencing. A technician will need to check whether it’s due to a shortage of refrigerant or whether there is a blockage somewhere in the system. Most often, reduced cooling performance is caused by low refrigerant levels. Here are some signs of when to recharge your car’s AC.