Aircon service from £60

There are two types of AC gasses used in cars: R134a and R1234yf. Older cars (typically manufactured before 2017) mostly use R134a, while newer models are designed to run on the more environmentally friendly R1234yf, which has a lower global warming potential. Most vans use R134a regardless of vehicle age. To check which gas your vehicle requires, you can refer to the sticker located under the bonnet, this will indicate the correct refrigerant type.

A properly functioning air conditioning system is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable drive, especially during hot weather. At Bulldog Motors, we offer professional vehicle air conditioning servicing to keep your system running efficiently. We can check for leaks, recharge refrigerant levels, clean essential components, and ensure your A/C is providing optimal cooling. If you’re experiencing weak airflow, unpleasant odours, or inconsistent cooling, it may be time for a service. Regular maintenance not only improves comfort but also helps prevent costly repairs in the future.  

We will insert a small amount of tracer dye with every AC service for no extra charge to help identify future leaks.

Your vehicle air conditioning system should be serviced every 2 years, as it isn't normally included in your yearly engine servicing routine. Book your air conditioning service with us today!

Disinfecting fog treatment £15

Our air conditioning disinfecting fog treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria, mould, and unpleasant odours that can build up in your vehicle’s aircon system over time. Using a specialised antibacterial fog, this treatment reaches deep into the vents and evaporator unit, killing harmful microbes and removing allergens that can affect air quality. Not only does it leave your car smelling fresh, but it also helps maintain a healthier driving environment by reducing the risk of respiratory irritation. Ideal for vehicles that aren't used regularly or those that have developed musty odours, this quick and effective service ensures your air conditioning system remains clean and hygienic!

Leak Testing from £29.99

If your vehicle arrives with no refrigerant, it's a strong indicator that your AC system has a leak. Under normal conditions, your AC system will lose a small amount of refrigerant (up to 40g per year for a single system or 60g per year for a dual system) through the rubber hoses and seals. If the system isn't used for long periods, the o rings can shrink and allow gas to escape. This means they will need to be changed before charging the system, which is why it's important to regularly use your AC.

By law, we cannot refill a system that we suspect is leaking, as releasing refrigerant into the environment is harmful and illegal.

Detecting AC Leaks 

To identify the source of the leak, we use safe and effective diagnostic methods: 

  • Inert Gas Pressure Testing. We introduce an inert gas (such as nitrogen) into the system at high pressure, which helps us pinpoint leaks without damaging the components or harming the environment. If there is a leak, the gas will escape, allowing us to detect the fault.
  • UV Dye Inspection. Most AC services include UV dye mixed with refrigerant. The refrigerant carries the dye through the system, making leaks visible under UV light. However, if all the refrigerant has leaked out, UV dye testing will no longer work, as there is no refrigerant left to circulate the dye.
  • Electronic Leak Detector. We use specialised electronic sensors that can detect even the smallest refrigerant leaks, helping us locate hidden issues in the system.

What Happens Next? If we identify a minor leak, we can discuss repair options with you, such as replacing damaged seals or pipes. If the leak is major, components like the condenser, evaporator, or compressor may require replacement. 

Hear what our customers have to say about us

Absolutely brilliant service, my son broke down in Wallingford , Mark came out on a Sunday within a couple of hours to collect it, he then helped us source a second hand part as my son didn’t want to have a huge bill as going to university, we had to wait days for the part to get delivered to Mark but the day it was Mark turned it around and fixed on the day. I would highly recommend Bulldog Motors, 5 star service and such a good price too. I will be using Mark at Bulldog Motors for all our family vehicles.

Amanda Spiers

Good customer service & great value for money.

Chris Williams

Fantastic service, friendly and professional. Don't take my cars anywhere else.

Damian Fibuch

Great service as ever.

John Weber

Collected my vehicle from my house and returned it with an MOT and a service. Mark even washed it for me!! Will be returning for sure!

Nicole Holoway
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FAQs

Are there different Air Conditioning Gasses ?

Yes there are - vehicles manufactured before 2017 use the original gas R134a whilst vehicles manufactured from 2017 onwards require a different gas R1234yf as it is more environmentally friendly although the modern gas is more expensive hence the difference in cost of re gassing older v newer vehicles.

Vacuuming AC systems is not intended to be a leak test. Why would you apply a vacuum to something in order to check that it can hold pressure? they're polar opposites. Vacuuming AC systems is done to remove any moisture from the system.

Some garages may attempt to test an AC system using compressed air, but this is a dangerous and improper method. Introducing moisture into the AC system can lead to: Corrosion of internal components Reduced cooling efficiency Damage to the compressor In extreme cases, the formation of an explosive mixture inside the system For these reasons, we never use compressed air and always follow industry-standard, environmentally safe testing procedures.