Which refrigerant to choose: R134a or R1234yf?

Choosing the right refrigerant for car 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?

In this article, we explain the differences between R134a and R1234yf, which cars use them, and how to easily check which refrigerant is suitable for your vehicle. This way, you will avoid costly mistakes and be sure that your air conditioning operates safely and efficiently.

For over 20 years, R134a was the most commonly used refrigerant in car air conditioning. It was used in cars produced roughly from the mid-1990s until around 2016–2017 (depending on the market and model). It gained huge popularity due to its good cooling performance, low flammability, and wide availability. Servicing systems with R134a was relatively inexpensive, and the refrigerant was considered safe for everyday use.

However, it is worth clarifying that although R134a does not destroy the ozone layer (it has a zero ODP rating), it has a high GWP factor, meaning 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 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), though it remains safe to use with a properly functioning air conditioning system. The downside of this gas turned out to be its higher price compared to its predecessor.

Along with the change of refrigerant, the design of the service system also changed. Cars with R1234yf refrigerant have different service quick couplings, which means that appropriate equipment or a valve adapter is required for servicing, which also increased the service cost. It is not possible to directly connect a system designed for R134a without proper adaptation.

Cheaper substitutes in our offer

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

• comply with current standards,

• have a 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 air conditioning performance.

If you are not sure which refrigerant is suitable for your car – contact us. We will help you choose the right solution.