Have owned a '95 1.9L Merc Tracer for 6 years. Keep it well maintained. No problems. A/C, in particular, has always worked A+. Pressure right on spec. Hoses are in good shape. No leaks. Blows cold.
Just went for regular oil and filter change at oil/lube place I have been using for 5+ yrs. (part of "Penzoil" chain). Service mgr. evaluated the a/c system the same as I did. But he still pushed very hard for me to purge system and replace refrigerant (an extra $90-$100 service). He claimed that the refrigerant "wears out" (something I have never heard before), and "that it should be replaced at least every 5 years because when it does (as he said), "it causes condensation in the system which can ruin the compressor."
Hey. Summer's coming and no one wants their a/c to crap out on a hot day. (But no one wants to be scammed out of $100, either). And I'm wondering how the hell can you get "condensation" in a system that has no water in it to begin with. (As I said, the hoses and fittings are all in good shape).
Any a/c experts out there? Does this guy know what he's talking about? Was he giving me good advice? Should I get the a/c serviced when it's working fine right now? Or was the guy just trying to put some extra commission on his next paycheck?
Looking for advice.
Jeff