I have been in the automotive Air Con business for 40 yrs .
I have also been on the industrial Refrigeration business for 48 yrs .
Unless there is a leak , the system will carry on working. ( gas wise ). Yes the compressor can fail or the condenser fan on a larger unit .
The gas does not deteriate .
It's a massive con.
We have company vehicles leased , I have lost count of the number of times , when they go in for a service and we get a phone call saying the air con needs a re- gas when they go in for a service.
My reply is always the same " hang on I will be right down "
Get there , either ( ford's, toyota, VW , or BMW , all main dealers ) Or Kwik fit .
Hi mate , show me what's wrong and where the leak is . ( BEARING in mind I wear a company shirt with our badge on the front and a/c specialist + industrial Refrigeration on the back .
19 times out of 20 .
" sorry pal the apprentice diagnosed it and has made a mistake "