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3 Hour Advanced leak test diagnsotics

​When a car’s air conditioning system loses gas, finding the fault isn’t always straightforward. Some leaks only show under real-world pressure or heat, while others are too small for a quick check to detect. That’s why we offer our Advanced Leak Detection & Diagnostics — a thorough, multi-stage process designed to locate even the hardest-to-find leaks.

The car must be left for 3 hours with us

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Our Leak Test Process

  1. Oxygen-Free Nitrogen Pressure Test
    We fill the system with Oxygen-Free Nitrogen (OFN) at high pressure and leave it for at least one hour. This safely simulates operating conditions without refrigerant and allows us to check for pressure loss (static leaks).

  2. Trace Gas Testing (Hydrogen/Nitrogen Mix)
    If no leak is detected with OFN, we use Trace Gas (a Hydrogen/Nitrogen mix). The hydrogen molecules are tiny, meaning they escape from the smallest leaks. Our sensitive detection equipment then pinpoints the exact location.

  3. Regas with UV Dye
    If no leaks are found during pressure and trace testing, we recharge the system with the correct refrigerant and add UV dye. This allows us to check the system under real-world conditions.

  4. Run & Inspect
    We run the car for around 30 minutes, bringing it up to normal operating pressures and temperatures. Then, using a UV lamp, we inspect all key components — condenser, compressor, pipe joints, and evaporator drain — for any signs of dye escaping (dynamic leaks).

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Why This Works

  • Oxygen-Free Nitrogen highlights most static leaks under controlled pressure.

  • Trace Gas exposes even the smallest micro-leaks missed by standard methods.

  • UV Dye & Run Test ensures that leaks which only appear under real operating pressures and heat, and shows the difficult dynamic leaks.

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This three-step process allows us to detect the vast majority of leaks that basic garage machines often miss.

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Pricing & Guarantee

  • No Leak Found = No Charge
    We only charge if a leak is confirmed.

  • If a leak is found: Diagnostic fee only £70.

  • If no leak is found, You simply pay for the regas service.

    • R134a: £69

    • R1234yf: £99
      (Both include nitrogen leak test, UV dye, and antibacterial treatment).​

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Please contact us on 07479 275822 to book.

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