Air-con Was Down, Any Suggestion?

[frank.lui]

Noticed some oily-leaking from a pipe in the front of engine, a friend checked and told me it is air-con coolant pipe. Checked air-con, not working anymore (no cooling). Sounds like coolant gone.

I am not really use the car a lot at moment (200 mile/month) and air-con is rarely on. I am not sure if I need to send to garage for repair immidiately or wait for next service (Oct). Anyone has suggestion? And should I send to dealer or just a local garage? Tnanks!

[uumode]

Noticed some oily-leaking from a pipe in the front of engine, a friend checked and told me it is air-con coolant pipe. Checked air-con, not working anymore (no cooling). Sounds like coolant gone.

I am not really use the car a lot at moment (200 mile/month) and air-con is rarely on. I am not sure if I need to send to garage for repair immidiately or wait for next service (Oct). Anyone has suggestion? And should I send to dealer or just a local garage? Tnanks!

If you want to use air-con in the future I'd repair it as soon as you can, since if the air con is not operational for a period of time, the compressor (one of the expensive bits) may seize up due to lack of lubrication, and the seals may dry up and crack. The air con refrigerant contains oil which lubricates seals when it flows through the system - hence why you are encouraged by air con manuals to exercise the system weekly or on a regular basis even in winter.