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How can you tell if your car is leaking refrigerant?

I live in a hot climate, so I really need my AC! I’ve noticed that it hasn’t been blowing as cold of air recently, though. How can I tell if I have a refrigerant leak in my car?

avatar
Natalie Todoroff · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Unlike other fluids like gasoline and oil, refrigerant is odorless and colorless, making it difficult to visibly spot a leak. But, if you notice a thin, greasy liquid dripping from the hood, beneath your vehicle, or in your car’s cabin, your car might be leaking refrigerant.
The biggest sign of a refrigerant leak is if your A/C system fails to blow icy cold air. Hearing a clicking noise when you turn on your A/C system or an illuminated
check engine
can also mean that you’ve got a refrigerant leak somewhere in your engine.
As far as the next steps go, it’s best to take your car to your local mechanic to diagnose it properly.
While downloading
Jerry
can’t stop your car from leaking, it can help you stop overpaying for your
insurance policy
. Jerry does the hard work of finding car insurance quotes for you to find the best deal around: the coverage you need at a price you’ll love.
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