Posted on 12/19/2025
You may see “A/C service” on an estimate and wonder why it mentions different refrigerants like R-134a or R-1234yf. From the driver’s seat, cold air is cold air, but under the hood the type of refrigerant your car uses affects how it is serviced, what equipment is required, and even what it costs to recharge the system. Why Modern A/C Systems Use Different Refrigerants Automakers have gone through several refrigerants over the years, mainly to reduce environmental impact. Older systems used R-12, which was phased out long ago. Most vehicles then switched to R-134a, and now many newer models use R-1234yf to meet stricter regulations. Each refrigerant has its own working pressures, compatibility with seals and oils, and impact on the atmosphere. That is why knowing which one your car uses matters. If the wrong type goes into the system, you can end up with poor cooling, damaged components, or a system that is no longer safe to service. What ... read more