Worth a read **Air Conditioning Recharge at Kwik-Fit**

De-mist quicker by using your Air-Con system to create dry warm air rather than the normal humid air from outside. Manufacturers recommend that Air-Con systems are recharged every 2 years.
Without being fully charged, your Air-Con will be less effective - putting more strain on the engine and using more fuel than necessary.
In under an hour, our specially trained technicians will show you the difference in your Air-Con system. We will show you the change in temperature and humidity in the air before and after the recharge.
You only pay with results. If your coolest air-con vent temperature doesn't improve by 10% or more - you pay nothing.*
Cleanse your Air-Con at the same time!
Bacteria within the Air-Con system can lead to odours within your car. For only £19.95 Kwik-Fit will cleanse your Air-Con system.
Air-con recharges and system cleanses are available in 560 Kwik-Fit centres across the UK. Offer applies to retail customers only. Ask in centre for details.
*Please note if the external air temperature around the car is less than 9 degrees Celsius it may affect the results of the air-conditioning recharge test. In these circumstances it is at the Manager’s discretion whether to offer a refund with results less than 10%.

and how much is the recharge ?

Looks like its £44.95 - Car tyres, exhausts, brakes, car service and MoT testing - Kwik-Fit can fix it

My question is how do you know when it needs changing? I must admit the demisting in my 5-door is hopeless - although it mists up really good - and so I suspect mine needs doing.

generally , crap A/C is due to low pressure therefore you need a re-gas or sometimes your condensor get clogged wiff dead flies wasps and other crap. the best way to clean them is by taking them out then using an air line to blow them clean. DO NOT USE A PRESSURE WASHER! as they bend your cooling fins then you either have to sit there straightening them or buying a new condensor.
if you get one of them diy kits from ebay that has a gauge on it you can see what yer pressure is like. its not as good as the manifold gauges that give you hi and lo readings but its is a hella lot better than nowt.

Just to update you


Yesterday I managed to finally get to Kwik fit to get the AC checked on the 10% offer.

Well the temperature outside was 24oC

The vent temperature was 12.8oC with the AC on

Thirty mins later they came back to sale the vent temperature was 6.1oC, more than half what it was originally.


I quite happily paid up and now have a nice cold cabin.