AC stopped cooling, unpleasant smell from the vents, or your 2018 car needs R1234yf service and nobody nearby does it without a long wait? SMotors in Kraków services air conditioning on all makes: recovery of old refrigerant, vacuum leak check, compressor oil top-up with UV dye, and recharging — both R134a (pre-2017) and R1234yf (2017 onwards). We hold an F-gas certificate and a dedicated service unit. We treat evaporators with the ultrasonic method or ozone. We repair compressors, replace driers and expansion valves. Service takes 60–90 minutes, same or next day appointment available. We serve customers from Kraków, Wieliczka, Skawina and Niepołomice.
Book AC serviceThe most common cause is low refrigerant — the system loses 10–15% per year through micro-porosity at joints. Other causes: faulty compressor clutch, blocked condenser or jammed expansion valve. We diagnose with pressure gauges and UV dye before recharging.
Mould and bacteria on the evaporator result from moisture left in the ventilation system after the engine is switched off. We treat with the ultrasonic method (evaporator cleaning without removal) or ozone treatment. We replace the cabin filter — a clogged carbon filter is itself a source of smell.
R1234yf AC (vehicles from 2017) requires a dedicated service unit — you cannot use R134a equipment or mix refrigerants. Mixing is illegal (F-gas Regulation) and destroys the system. We hold an F-gas certificate and equipment for both refrigerants.
The AC compressor works for 10–12 years before its bearings or electromagnetic clutch start showing signs — metallic noise when switching on the AC, vibrations, intermittent cooling. We diagnose whether reconditioning or replacing the clutch is sufficient, or whether a full compressor replacement is needed.
We connect pressure gauges and check high-side and low-side pressures. We identify whether the problem is refrigerant level, compressor, or condenser.
We recover the old refrigerant and compressor oil. We pull a vacuum — and check for leaks. UV dye lets us locate any leak.
We top up the compressor oil and recharge with the correct amount of R134a or R1234yf to the manufacturer specification.
We clean the evaporator with ultrasound or ozone the cabin. We replace the cabin filter if worn.
We measure vent temperature and check the compressor cycle. Collection within 60–90 minutes of drop-off.
R134a air conditioning service including refrigerant recharge up to 250 g costs 199 PLN and includes: recovery of old refrigerant, leak check (vacuum), compressor oil top-up with UV dye, and R134a recharge. R1234yf service (vehicles from 2017 onwards) is quoted individually based on system capacity.
We recommend servicing once a year — ideally in spring, before the summer season. During winter, moisture and lack of use encourage bacteria and mould growth on the evaporator, so the spring service includes anti-bacterial treatment.
If the AC stopped cooling shortly after recharging, the system almost certainly has a leak — refrigerant is escaping through a hose, expansion valve or damaged O-ring. The UV dye added during service lets us locate the leak with a UV lamp and fix it before recharging again.
Cars manufactured from 1 January 2017 are legally required to use R1234yf refrigerant — this needs dedicated equipment (it cannot be mixed with R134a; mixing is illegal and destroys the system). Older vehicles use R134a. You can find the information on a sticker under the bonnet near the AC service port.
Anti-bacterial treatment removes bacteria and mould from the evaporator — the main source of unpleasant smells from the vents. We use the ultrasonic method (80–120 PLN) or ozone treatment (from 49 PLN). We also replace the cabin filter if worn.
AC service usually takes 60–90 minutes. In peak season (April–May) we recommend booking in advance — we accept appointments at a specific time, with no hours of waiting.