AC Leak Detection & Repair
Every AC that keeps losing its cooling has a leak somewhere, and the only lasting remedy is to locate and fix it. We use several methods because some leaks only appear when the system is hot, or sit behind the dash where nothing can be seen.
From AED 199Written quote after diagnosis, before work startsConvenience fee applicable · shown on your written quote
- 1-3 hours to find; repair time depends on the part
- Pickup and delivery from your door
- Convenience fee applicable · shown on your written quote
- Diagnosis free with repair
Signs you need ac leak detection & repair
- Cooling that fades over weeks or months and returns after each regas
- Oily residue on a hose, fitting or around the compressor
- Hissing from the engine bay after the AC is switched off
- A low-pressure switch cutting the compressor out
- Gas smell or chemical odour in the cabin
- Customers told elsewhere that the system is only low and just needs a top-up
What usually causes it
Perished O-rings and seals
Rubber rings at every hose joint harden and shrink with heat. They are the most frequent and cheapest leaks to repair, although finding them takes patience.
Hose and pipe damage
Rubber hoses crack and aluminium pipes rub against brackets until they wear through. A weeping crimp at the end of a hose is common.
Compressor shaft seal
A leaking shaft seal leaves a thin oily film on the front of the compressor and flings it onto the belt and pulley.
Condenser or evaporator pinholes
These parts leak from stone damage or corrosion. The evaporator is the hardest to reach and often the last one found.
How we do ac leak detection & repair
- 1
Visual and dye inspection
UV dye is added to the system and the car is run. A UV lamp then lights up even tiny traces of oil at joints, hoses and the compressor.
- 2
Electronic sniffing
A sensitive probe passes over every joint and detects refrigerant directly. It also checks the vent and drain tube for an evaporator leak.
- 3
Nitrogen pressure test
If the system is empty, dry nitrogen is added at a safe pressure. Leaks can be heard or found with a soapy solution without releasing any refrigerant.
- 4
Repair, vacuum and recharge
The leaking part, hose or seal is replaced, the drier changed if the system was open, and the circuit vacuumed and refilled by weight. The vacuum hold confirms the leak is fixed.
In Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman
Some leaks only open at operating temperature, so a system that holds pressure in a cool workshop can lose it on the road at 45 degrees. We run the AC at working temperature before judging that a car has no leak, and re-inspect after a hot test drive.
Questions about ac leak detection & repair
Is stop-leak sealant a good idea?
We avoid it. It can block the expansion valve, drier and the fine passages in the condenser, and it can contaminate the recovery equipment.
Can a slow leak be ignored?
The AC will work less well each season, the compressor will lose oil and run dry, and you may end up with a far costlier compressor job.
What does dye do to the system?
The dye is an oil-soluble marker designed for AC systems. It is harmless in the small amount used and it stays visible, so it helps if a leak ever returns.
How long does a repair last?
A correctly replaced part or O-ring, with a vacuum hold test afterwards, should last for years. Another leak may appear elsewhere on an old system, and we point out any weak-looking parts.
Do you charge for finding the leak if I decline the repair?
When you proceed with the repair, finding the leak costs nothing extra. If you decline it, the time spent is charged, and the amount is on the quote before we start.
Last updated
Get a written quote
Tell us about your car. You get an itemised quote before any work starts, and you choose OEM, aftermarket or used parts.