Question about car's A/C

[Lachesis00]

Are new cars different from old cars.... the a/c?? If you're A/C runs out how do you go and get it filled??? Years ago on my old car it costed me $50 once and the next time $450 (the mechanic had to be certified??).
I heard the newer cars a/c is different and not as expensive. Is this true?

 

[my3kids]

It is different to service the AC on newer cars, but I'm not sure what the price difference is.

 

[shortbun]

New cars don't use R12 freeon. Old cars still needing it are being
converted or going without unless you find a certified mechanic
who still has it or a permit to buy it. Certification
was lengthy and expensive. New freon is R134(I think) and can
not be added to the old freon using A/C.

 

[KingsFanInRI]

shortbun, you're right on the ball. Older cars can be retrofitted to accept R134 refrigerant with a kit that costs about $40-60. depending on where you get it.
134 is a cleaner freon than R12 and is safer for the environment.
If your car's AC takes 134 you should be able to get it charged for about $120. depending on the shop's labor rate (ours is $89./hr.), or if you need to retrofit you could be up to about $200-250. again, based on the labor rate.

 

[Lachesis00]

Stupid question but how do you know what kind of a/c your car has. I have 2000 Dodge Stratus. I am hoping it's the newer kind. My husband has a 2001 Saturn.

 

[supergoof]

both vehicles you listed should be R134. I think the "swapped" to R134 @ 1998.?. Not for sure though.
Edited to add: The way to tell is, the older R12 has fittings on the lines that resimble the valve stem in your tire. The R134 has fittings that "snap" on.

 

[Lachesis00]

Oh good!! Thank you supergoof!! Mucho appreciated Moving to AZ, A/C will be important