Which refrigerant to choose R134a or R1234yf?

Choosing the right refrigerant for automotive air conditioning is not a matter of price or preference, but of compatibility with the vehicle's design. However, many drivers wonder: R134a or R1234yf – which refrigerant is in my car and where can I check it?

In this article, we explain the differences between R134a and R1234yf, in which cars they are used, and how to easily check which refrigerant is suitable for your vehicle. This way, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your air conditioning operates safely and efficiently.

For over 20 years, R134a has been the most commonly used refrigerant in automotive air conditioning. It was used in cars produced roughly from the mid-90s until around 2016–2017 (depending on the market and model). It gained immense popularity due to good cooling efficiency, low flammability, and wide availability. Servicing systems using R134a was relatively inexpensive, and the refrigerant itself was considered safe for everyday use.

However, it is worth clarifying that although R134a does not deplete the ozone layer (it has a zero ODP), it has a high GWP factor, meaning it has a significant impact on the greenhouse effect. For environmental reasons, it has been gradually phased out of new vehicles and replaced by a new generation of refrigerant – R1234yf.

Currently, R1234yf is widely used in new cars sold in Europe (since around 2017) and in the USA in subsequent years. Its biggest advantage is its very low environmental impact (low GWP), which allows it to meet current ecological standards. However, it is more flammable than R134a (classified as mildly flammable), although it remains safe to use with a properly functioning air conditioning system. A downside of this gas is its higher price compared to its predecessor.

With the change of refrigerant, the design of the service system has also changed. Cars using R1234yf have different service quick-connects, which means that appropriate equipment or a valve adapter is required for servicing, which has also increased the cost of servicing. There is no possibility of directly connecting a system designed for R134a without proper adaptation.

Cheaper alternatives in our offer

In our assortment, we offer cheaper alternatives for both R134a and R1234yf. The products we offer:

• are compliant with current standards,

• feature low environmental impact,

• provide high cooling efficiency,

• are significantly cheaper than original refrigerants.

This is a solution for those looking for an economical alternative without sacrificing the efficiency of air conditioning.

If you are unsure which refrigerant is suitable for your car – contact us. We will help you choose the right solution.