Why Some Mechanics Recharge the AC Coolant in Older Chevy Trucks Rather Than Fix its Leak

Does your vehicle require refilling of its AC system refrigerant every few months? If so, then why hasn’t it been fixed? Here’s one take about some mechanics who would prefer charging you for refilling your refrigerant periodically rather than fixing a leaking refrigerant problem. Plus, an easy DIY tip that can help determine where your refrigerant is leaking when others have failed to locate the source.

AC Problems

In earlier articles we’ve discussed the problems and causes of an AC system that is blowing only hot air and what you can do about it before taking it to a mechanic.

However, did you know that taking it to a mechanic might not get the problem fixed correctly; but instead, wind up being serviced just enough to get you out of the garage for the next few months until your AC stops working again?

Related article: Sad Day for Ford Owners Says Mechanic When Dealership Won’t Diagnose Your Car Problem

That’s the message in a recent Car Wizard YouTube channel episode where the Car Wizard does a show and tell about a 1999 Chevy Silverado that an owner recently bought used and wanted some minor issues taken care of that included a malfunctioning horn and an AC system with a constantly leaking refrigerant mystery problem.

Related article: Why You Should Look at a Used Silverado Before Considering Buying a New Model

The Value of this Show and Tell Video

What makes this video exceptional and worth recommending to watch is that it provides some especially useful information on why you will want to carefully inspect a used truck’s AC system before buying it that could make or break a truck buying deal.

In the video you will find out:

• The reason why some mechanics previously working on this vehicle either failed to find the problem and/or resorted to a temporary “fix” causing its owner to go elsewhere for help.

• How to approach the search for a refrigerant leak.

• A cool trick for finding one source of a mystery refrigerant leak.

• Some valid reasons why a mechanic might not want to help you fix your AC problem.

Please note: To pick up where the video discusses the AC leak diagnosis rather than watch the horn repair issue, start at timepoint 9:30 of the video and watch it to the end.

One of the best trucks on the road! Then why won't CAR WIZARD's techs work on this '99 Silverado?

And finally…

For additional articles about Chevy trucks, here are a few for your consideration:

• Old Chevy’s Worth Buying Over New Ones

• Chevy Trucks to Buy and Not Buy Explained by a Chevrolet Mechanic

COMING UP NEXT: Never Do This to Your Toyota Warns a Toyota Mechanic

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

Image Source: Pixabay