So today I had my 500X in for an Aircon regas.

500X uses the later/latest R1234YF gas which is way more expensive than the old refrigerant gas.

Turned out to be interesting.

The 500X requires 450 grams of gas.
The machine sucked out 434 grams and refilled to 450 grams.

So since 2015 my 500X had only lost 16 grams of gas.

My guys (due to the expense of the gas) charge by actual gas required. So to my surprise:

1) I'm very pleased the car has not lot gas/cooling
2) The bill. Gas=£1.92+vat, labour 0.5Hrs=£23+vat. Final bill = £29.90 inc. vat

So points of interest:

a) My 500X has lost little gas over 5-6 years (hopefully good news for all 500X owners)

b) Regas cost less than a traditional Aircon £60 to £75 fee inc. vat

However if my 500X required 450g of gas the bill would have been £65 for gas and at possibly £56 for labour (all incl. of VAT)

I'm possibly thinking here is that some garages for aircon recharges of R1234YF gas may charge at the 450g rate and not based upon actually gas required. Others my hedge their bets on 50% recharge.

I no longer have my 500X but when I had it regassed that's exactly what the dealer did with mine. Worked out way cheaper than I was expecting.

Most people would not be taking there car to have the aircon regassed if the system was working normally and if the car is not all that old.

Why in this instance when it has in essence a full shot of gas did you take it for a regas ?

Most people paying for this work would do so when the system is not working and so you’re likely putting in a lot more than the few grams you had added.

Something like a stone holing the condenser is going to result in a much bigger bill

AndyRKett said:

Most people would not be taking there car to have the aircon regassed if the system was working normally and if the car is not all that old.

Why in this instance when it has in essence a full shot of gas did you take it for a regas ?

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Well simple answer is unless you have the kit then you don't know how much gas you may have lost ALONG WITH the all important lubricating oil that keeps all seals etc. in good health.

I think that at SIX years it is a fair thing to do.

There are those who will get it done every year which as you say/suggest is pointless if the system appears to be working OK.

That's encouraging feedback. I must admit I've always followed the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" route as far as regassing is concerned, but its good to know it needn't be too expensive. I also leave the a/c on all the time, on the advice of several a/c specialists. I ran a Clio for 8 years without it needing a regas (probably the old type of gas) and the little 500 I bought new in 2011 was still blowing nice and cold when I sold it 6 years later - can't remember if that used R1234YF.

Is there any merit in having an a/c "service" apart from spotting developing faults early? Does the lubricant in the gas degrade?

Just seen your post S130, and agree that spending £30 on the aircon after 5 years is hardly extravagant!

TrevC said:

Just seen your post S130, and agree that spending £30 on the aircon after 5 years is hardly extravagant!

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Well I think it was a good choice. Your "if it ain't broke don't fix it" is something I always concur with (especially as muggins here has to do the work) but with aircon then a regas does no harm and is non invasive other than removing two dust caps and attaching the hoses.

Like you I always run with the aircon on all year round. It is about the only time a get cold feet when contemplating doing work on the car.