What Is Freon In A Car: Why Should You Care?

Freon tank of Refrigerant - cooling gas container

You may already know that the internal temperature of your car is often higher than that of the external environment. That’s why it’s essential to have a functioning A/C system throughout the year, especially during summer. If your car’s A/C is malfunctioning, this can lead to a stuffy and uncomfortable cabin. It can even be potentially dangerous when temperatures start to go up!

Freon is an essential component of any car’s A/C system, and you may also know of it as a refrigerant. In this article, we share with you more about what freon is in a car.

Understanding Freon and Refrigerant

Freon is a type of refrigerant commonly used in A/C systems. Just like Kleenex has become synonymous with tissue paper, the same can be said for freon, which is a registered trademark. However, when most people refer to freon colloquially, they usually mean refrigerant in a more general sense.

Refrigerant is a substance made up of a mixture of fluorine, chlorine, and bromine or carbon-hydrogen. It is a colorless, odorless, and non-flammable substance that can change forms between the liquid and gaseous states. A gas at room temperature, refrigerant transforms into liquid when it is cooled or compressed.

Why You Need Freon in Your Car

All A/C systems in cars today require freon or refrigerant to work. Freon works to keep the interior of your cabin cool by evaporating within the system when hot air is sucked in. When there is no freon or its levels start to run low due to a leak, this can compromise the internal temperature of your cabin.

Always Take Leaks Seriously

If nothing goes wrong throughout the lifespan of your car, the freon in the system is meant to last, and you will not need a recharge. However, if a leak occurs at any point, you will need a recharge in order for your car’s A/C to keep working.

Your car’s A/C system serves other functions besides keeping your cabin cool and comfortable. For instance, did you know that it works to remove condensation from your windshield during winter? This is possible as your car’s A/C assists the defroster through its air compressor. That’s why it’s so important to get a recharge as and when you experience a leak. On top of that, you will need to identify where the leak is coming from and ensure that the source is sealed or closed up.

Purchase the Parts You Need from R & Y A/C Compressors®

Looking to purchase replacement parts for your car’s A/C system? Our online shop at R & Y A/C Compressors® is the perfect place to start searching. From condensers and compressors to external valves and orifice tubes, we have got everything you could possibly need to keep your car’s A/C system running as it should. Feel free to come to us with any questions you may have about our products and we will get back to you timely!