NiceWheels

My 2013 GS 450h’s AC is struggling to keep up with the current temps. Can I use off the shelf refrigerant from Autozone or is there a special product I need to use?

bclexus

@NiceWheels - All A/Cs (including refrigerators/freezers, etc.) have a closed-loop refrigerant system, meaning the refrigerant circulates but never escapes - unless there is a leak somewhere within the system. In years past, a leak typically only occurred after many years of service at a fitting where an O-ring failed to seal properly - - this was more likely typical only with Ford brand vehicles. Nowadays it is very rare for any vehicle A/C (or refrigerator/freezer, etc.) system) to leak refrigerant.

If in fact your A/C struggles because the refrigerant is low I highly suggest you have a Lexus dealer's service department check it out with their equipment to see where the leak is occurring and fix it. It would surprise me to learn the refrigerant is low and the is a leak.

I definitely recommend against trying to recharge your car's A/C yourself. I think doing so is a big mistake because adding just a little too much refrigerant (i.e. overcharging) can cause disastrous results to the compressor - and you do not want that to happen! Furthermore, even a small degree of overcharging can actually reduce performance. There is a sweet spot for all compressor refrigerant systems. The amount of refrigerant in the system needs to just right - anything else is definitely not good.