How much does it cost to put freon in a 2018 Honda Civic?

Typically, a routine A/C recharge for a 2018 Honda Civic costs about $150 to $250 in the United States, assuming no leaks and standard labor rates.

Costs vary with refrigerant type, regional labor costs, and whether the system has leaks or needs component repairs. Most 2018 Civics use the refrigerant R-1234yf, which requires specific equipment and can influence both price and service time.

Understanding the refrigerant and what you’re paying for

The 2018 Honda Civic generally uses R-1234yf refrigerant. This newer refrigerant is more expensive than the older R-134a and requires dedicated recovery and recharge equipment. If a shop mistakenly uses the wrong refrigerant, it can damage the system and lead to additional repair costs. The price you see will reflect refrigerant cost, labor, and any leak testing or dye used to locate issues.

Cost breakdown for a typical recharge

Before listing the items, note that the following ranges reflect common charges in many U.S. shops for a standard recharge without a diagnosed leak. Prices vary by region and shop policy.

• Refrigerant charge (R-1234yf): about $70–$110 per 1 lb can. A typical Civic may require roughly 1–2 pounds to reach the correct pressure, depending on ambient temperature and system specifics.


• Dye/UV leak test: about $10–$30, used to help locate any leaks if cooling performance is poor.


• Labor: roughly $90–$150 per hour. A straightforward recharge commonly takes about 1 hour, though time can vary with access and system complexity.


• Diagnostics and miscellaneous fees: some shops add small charges for disposal, oil checks, or station use, typically $0–$20.

Concluding paragraph after the list: In most cases, a standard recharge without leaks falls in the $150–$250 range in the U.S. If a leak is present or repairs are needed, the price can rise significantly depending on the location and the extent of the repair.

What factors influence the final price?

Prices aren’t fixed and depend on several variables that customers should consider when seeking a quote.

• Type of refrigerant: Newer cars use R-1234yf, which tends to be more expensive than R-134a due to material costs and safety handling requirements.


• Leak presence and necessary repairs: If dye reveals a leak, you may need repairs (hoses, seals, condenser, compressor), which can add hundreds to thousands of dollars.


• Geographic region and shop rates: Large metro areas often have higher labor rates than rural areas.


• Warranty or promotions: Some dealers or independents offer promotions or warranty coverage that affects out-of-pocket costs.

Concluding paragraph after this list: If you suspect a leak or the cooling performance is poor, get a written, itemized estimate and consider a diagnostic check before paying for a full recharge, since simply adding refrigerant without addressing a leak can lead to repeated charges.

Summary

For a 2018 Honda Civic, a typical AC recharge without leaks generally runs about $150–$250 in the United States. Expect higher costs if a leak is found or if repairs are required, especially given the use of R-1234yf. Verify the refrigerant type on your vehicle, obtain a detailed estimate that breaks out refrigerant, labor, and any repairs, and factor in regional price differences when planning the service.

Why is my 2018 Honda Civic AC not blowing cold air?

A 2018 Honda Civic's AC not cooling is often caused by a refrigerant leak, especially a faulty condenser, which is a common issue for which Honda has extended the warranty. Other possibilities include a dirty cabin air filter, a malfunctioning compressor clutch or compressor, low refrigerant levels, or a clogged expansion valve. You can first check the cabin air filter and look for visible signs of a leak before having a mechanic diagnose it.
 
This video explains the common AC issues in 10th generation Honda Civics: 53sTheRenderQYouTube · Jul 6, 2024
Possible causes and solutions

• Refrigerant leak: This is a very common issue for this model year. The AC condenser can leak due to road debris, and a class-action lawsuit alleges the R-1234yf refrigerant system is also a contributing factor. 
  • Solution: Have a mechanic inspect the system for leaks. If the condenser is the issue, a professional replacement is needed, and Honda has extended the warranty on the AC condenser. 
• Low refrigerant: A leak causes the system to lose refrigerant, leading to poor cooling. 
  • Solution: A professional can check the refrigerant level and recharge the system, but this won't solve the underlying leak. 
• Faulty compressor or compressor clutch: The compressor is the heart of the system; if it's not running correctly, it won't cool the air. 
  • Solution: A professional can diagnose whether the clutch is engaging or if the compressor itself has failed and needs replacement. 
• Dirty cabin air filter: A clogged filter restricts airflow, making the AC less effective. 
  • Solution: Replace the cabin air filter. This is a simple and inexpensive fix you can often do yourself. 
• Clogged expansion valve or orifice tube: This can block the flow of refrigerant through the system. 
  • Solution: A mechanic can diagnose and replace the clogged valve. 

Troubleshooting steps

1. Check the cabin air filter: A clean filter is crucial for proper airflow. 
2. Listen to the compressor: With the engine running and AC on, listen for the compressor clutch to engage with a "click." If it doesn't, it could indicate an electrical issue or a faulty part. 
3. Look for leaks: A professional can use a UV dye or electronic leak detector to find leaks, but you can sometimes see oily residue on components like the condenser or hoses. 
4. Check for recalls: Because of the common condenser leak issue, check if your vehicle is covered by any Honda AC-related recalls or warranty extensions. 
5. Take it to a professional: If the simple checks don't solve the problem, a qualified technician can accurately diagnose the issue and perform the necessary repairs. 

What refrigerant does a 2018 Honda Civic use?

The 2018 Honda Civic uses R-134a refrigerant, not the newer R-1234yf. It is crucial to use the correct type to avoid damaging the system. Always check under the hood for a sticker specifying the correct refrigerant and a qualified technician should properly evacuate the system before recharging it with the exact amount specified in the owner's manual.
 
This video shows where to find the low-pressure port to check the refrigerant level: 1mcalikid209YouTube · Jun 13, 2022
Refrigerant details

• Type: R-134a 
• Reason: Newer vehicles like the 2018 Civic are designed for R-134a refrigerant, while many newer models are transitioning to R-1234yf. 
• Caution: It is important not to mix refrigerants. Using the wrong type can damage the system. 

Before recharging

• Check for leaks: Inspect the condenser, hoses, and compressor seals for leaks, as low refrigerant levels can reduce cooling efficiency. 
• Confirm type: Double-check the sticker under the hood to confirm the refrigerant type. 
• Evacuate the system: Have a professional technician evacuate the system to remove any moisture before recharging with the correct amount of R-134a. 

This video explains how to check the refrigerant level using a pressure gauge: 1mHow2HelenYouTube · May 30, 2023

How much does it cost to recharge AC on a 2018 Honda Civic?

The average cost for a Honda Civic AC Recharge is between $243 and $327 but can vary from car to car.

How much do shops charge to put freon in a car?

A professional AC recharge typically ranges from $150 to $300. This cost reflects the expertise required and the equipment used to ensure a proper recharge. On the other hand, a DIY recharge kit costs between $40 and $60.