JCG Automotive

Cooling system service; AC servicing both R12 and R134A

Over the past few years, all automobile manufacturers have switched from R-12 air-conditioning system refrigerant, commonly known as Freon, to R-134a refrigerant for new cars.

R-12 is in all autos made in 1992 and earlier, and in some 1993 and 1994 models. It is available and recommended for use by automakers and air-conditioning parts manufacturers, who may void warranties if a refrigerant other than what the part was designed for is used.

Experts estimate that of the 180 million autos in the United States, half require R-12. This being said we have the equipment and licensed technicians to work on your car!

The second refrigerant - R-134a - is used in all autos made in 1995 and later. It is tested and accepted by the EPA as a replacement for R-12.

R-12 and R-134a perform the same basic function - they are high-quality, proven products that make cold air come out of your auto's A/C. However, the two cannot be mixed and require different operating parts.

While production of R-12 stopped in 1995, a large supply of the refrigerant remains available for use.

Some drivers are confused by this choice of products, and the information on air-conditioning service offered by some companies and repair shops.

The confusion is keeping some owners from getting their air-conditioning fixed, and leading others to costly - and possibly unnecessary - retrofits to allow the car to run on a refrigerant other than the one it was designed to use, according to industry experts.

Their advice: Stick with the refrigerant the vehicle used when it rolled off the assembly line. Both R-12 and R-134a are readily available at our shop.

Automotive experts say consumers should not be frightened into unnecessary and potentially expensive retrofitting of their air conditioning system for a new refrigerant. They say retrofitting the system to handle R-134a need only be considered if the R-12 system completely fails or requires expensive repairs.

JCG Automotive is the auto repair shop you have come to depend on!