Do A/C systems ever need to be recharged?

[DevonD]

so summer is basicly here and the A/C in my 96 Maxima just doesnt seem to be keeping the car anywhere near cool. So i went into a mechanic shop and asked if i should get the system recharged. The owner told me that the system should never ever need to be recharged unless it has leaked and just needs to be filled up. He also said that they would put a dye in the coolant to see where its leaking from... but i dont think its leaked since there is no puddle of fluid under where i have been parking for the last year.. So is it just like oil and needs to be changed eventually? or has it all leaked out? Thanks!

[ZGadson]

Your car is 12 years old now (which is probably close 60 in people years). It's definately time for a recharge. If your heat works well, that means the system as a whole is working correctly. A recharge would be the 1st (if not the only) step to getting your A/C back.

Good Luck!

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Did a recharge on my 95 maxima last year.

It went ok. Just used simple recharge kit from Autozone.A can of R34 with their little plastic gauge and a twist onfitting. Main thing is not to exceed the pressures. Youneed to read Haynes. Be sure to put in the R134 EXACTLY whereit says to (I think the compressor low side but double check me) and you should be ok. I shook the R134 really welland put it in water to help the compressor take it and watchedthe gauge really close.

A real pro will have some manifold guages so you cancheck the pressures on your compressor; the low sideand the high side. Of course were a long sleeze shirtand safety glasses cause this isnt playstuff