The recommended starting point

24-Point A/C Inspection & Diagnosis

When your car A/C isn’t cooling properly, the first question shouldn’t be “does it need a regas?” It should be why isn’t it working correctly?

Our inspection checks the system’s performance, refrigerant condition, common leak points and major A/C components so we can identify the cause before recommending repairs.

Hydrogen leak testingComponent checksCabin filter checkRepair quote if required
01Inspect

Check system condition and performance.

02Test

Assess pressures, operation and leak points.

03Diagnose

Identify the most likely cause of the symptom.

04Advise

Explain what needs attention before work proceeds.

Why start here?

Because low refrigerant is only one possible cause.

Your vehicle’s air conditioning system can lose performance for many reasons: refrigerant leakage, compressor faults, airflow restrictions, electrical problems, worn seals or failed components.

A proper inspection gives us a clearer picture of the system before money is spent on a service or repair that may not address the actual problem.

Learn when a regas is appropriate

What we inspect

The 24-Point A/C Check

We work through the system methodically across four diagnostic areas, checking the conditions most likely to explain the symptom you’re experiencing.

01

System & refrigerant condition

We assess refrigerant condition, pressures and the basic health of the system before moving deeper.

6 checks
  • Service history review
  • Refrigerant gas analysis
  • Service caps & condition
  • Schrader valve condition
  • Check for dye in the system
  • System gas pressures
02

Leak testing

Common leak points are checked methodically so refrigerant loss is not treated as a simple regas problem.

8 checks
  • Hydrogen system visual & bubble test
  • O-ring leak check
  • Condenser leak check
  • Compressor leak check
  • Evaporator leak check
  • TX valve leak check
  • Receiver drier leak check
  • Fittings & hose leak checks
03

Components & operation

Major A/C components and supporting systems are checked for correct operation, wear and obvious faults.

6 checks
  • Drive belt condition
  • Radiator coolant level
  • Condenser running temperature
  • Visual condition of A/C hoses
  • Compressor operation
  • Compressor clutch operation
04

Cabin performance

We verify what you actually feel inside the vehicle — airflow, vent temperature, heating and filter condition.

4 checks
  • Vent airflow & fan speeds
  • Vent temperature
  • Heater operation
  • Cabin filter condition

Note: the exact inspection process can vary slightly by vehicle and A/C system design.

Jack Frost technician working beneath a vehicle dashboard with A/C testing equipment

Specialist attention, practical answers

Understand the fault before deciding on the repair.

A/C diagnosis brings together what the system is doing and what you’re experiencing in the cabin. Our technicians check both to help explain why cooling has changed.

Look beyond the refrigerant level

Pressures, leak points, component operation and cabin airflow all help build the picture.

Know what needs attention

We explain the findings and provide a repair quote where required, before repair work proceeds.

Inspection and diagnosis at our Mount Gravatt East workshop.

Inspection pricing

Choose the inspection for your vehicle.

The starting price depends on your vehicle and A/C system. Not sure which applies? We can confirm when you book.

Inspection starting prices

Vehicle / refrigerantSingle AirDual Air
Petrol / Diesel
R134a$97$117
R1234yf$157$187
Hybrid (either refrigerant)$157$187
EV (either refrigerant)
From$220Single or Dual Air

Included with every inspection

  • 24-point system inspection
  • Hydrogen leak test
  • Major A/C component checks
  • Cabin filter assessment
  • Repair quote where required

Prices are shown as starting prices and may vary by vehicle type and system. Please confirm current pricing when booking.

What happens next?

Can we regas the vehicle after the inspection?

If the system passes the inspection and leak test, we can discuss the appropriate regas service for your vehicle.

View A/C Regas Service
If we find a fault

We stop guessing and show you what needs attention.

If a leak or component problem is discovered, we identify what is required to rectify it and provide a quote before repair work proceeds.

  • Leaks in hoses, seals or A/C components
  • Faulty or damaged A/C components
  • Dirty or worn cabin filters
  • General system wear and deterioration

Common questions

Inspection & diagnosis FAQs

Answers to the questions customers commonly ask before booking a car A/C inspection.

View all FAQs
What is included in a 24-point car air conditioning inspection?

It is a comprehensive diagnostic check of the A/C system, including refrigerant pressures, cooling performance, compressor and component operation, airflow, hoses, cabin filter condition and common leak points. The purpose is to identify the fault before recommending repairs or a regas.

How long does a car air conditioning diagnostic inspection take?

A full inspection typically takes around 30–60 minutes depending on the vehicle and the condition of the system.

Do I need an inspection before getting a car A/C regas?

An inspection is recommended whenever the cause of poor cooling is unclear. If the system has a leak or component fault, simply adding refrigerant will not repair the problem.

What are the signs my car air conditioning needs a diagnostic check?

Warm or weak air, unusual noises, bad smells, intermittent cooling, poor demisting or a system that repeatedly loses cooling are all reasons to have the system checked.

Can the inspection detect refrigerant leaks?

Yes. The inspection includes pressure and leak checks across common leak points. Further leak-detection methods can be recommended where required.

Is an inspection worth it if my A/C still works?

Yes. A system can gradually lose performance before a major failure becomes obvious. Inspection can identify early issues and help prevent unnecessary parts replacement or repeated regassing.

Start with the right diagnosis

Book your 24-Point A/C Inspection.

Every service starts by checking what the system actually needs. Bring your vehicle to our Mount Gravatt East workshop for a clear diagnosis and the right next step.

Book Your Inspection