My daughte'rs car needs an ac charge. Thinking about doing it myself with one of the kits you can buy at the parts store. Basically some cans of freon and a gauge. It looks easy. (famous last words) Anybody done this before? Any advice would be appreciated.

The AC system is supposed to be a no-fill system. Might want to check and make sure there isn't a leak, but I digress.

Those little can systems you can get at the parts store work just fine. I have used them numerous times without issue. It really is simple and the instructions are pretty straight forward (at least on the brand I get).

You have a leak if you need refrigerant. Or you replaced a part and opened the system. If thats the case you need to pull a vaccum on it prior to filling.

Thanks.
Think I'll just take it to the shop and have it leak tested and hope the leak's not too expensive to fix.

Most shops an ac check is roughly $25. since it is the beginning of summer you may find a coupon online of in the mail for free ac check. All they do is pull a vacuum and check to see if it holds. If it does an evacuation and recharge shouldn't cost any more than $150 including Freon and labor. If it doesn't hold a charge it can get expensive very quickly depending on the type of vehicle. If there is a leak request a dye test to show you where its leaking from.

I have used the DIY from auto store for 2 yrs. One time when it starts weather get hot and it lasts untiul cool weather kicks in, cost $32 for a can and hose kit. Im satisfied for 2 yrs.

Get the kit and some dye (wally world) pretty easy to find leak then

The problem with that dye is the little spurt left in the can when you disconnect the hose. That spurt coupled with the engine fan made for little drops of dye all over the engine compartment on my truck. make sure to wrap it with a rag when you disconnect to avoid this.

Well, I ended up doing it myself after all. It was real easy and the ac is still working fine.

Roadtrip, Do you have an update for us? Is the A/C still blowing cold or has the refrigerant leaked out?

I've been doing the same thing. My A/C was checked at a shop, and they could not find any leaks. recharged it, couple months later its gone. Recharged and put some leak check in there. Waiting to see what happens now

It's still blowing cold. All I did was get one of the kits and followed the instructions. If there's a leak, it's a slow one. The freon has sealant in it, maybe that helped. Got lucky this time. About time.

Just be careful and don;t over charge.