What AC refrigerant does my car need?
Most passenger cars today require either R-134a or R-1234yf, with older models using R-12. To be certain, check the under-hood label, the owner's manual, or ask a certified technician to identify the exact refrigerant for your vehicle.
Two main refrigerants used in modern cars
Here's a quick overview of the two refrigerants you’re most likely to encounter, plus a note on older systems. The exact choice depends on the car’s design and year.
- R-12 (Freon): Used in vehicles built before roughly the mid-1990s. It is largely phased out for new service today and requires special equipment and retrofitting if found in a vehicle.
- R-134a: The long-standing standard for many cars from the 1990s through the early 2010s. It is non-flammable and uses PAG oil. Many older and some mid-age vehicles still use this refrigerant.
- R-1234yf: The newer standard adopted by many manufacturers starting in the mid-2010s due to lower global warming potential. It requires different equipment and POE oil and is mildly flammable (A2L). Most new cars (roughly post-2013) use this refrigerant, though some models still use 134a.
In practice, the right refrigerant is dictated by the vehicle’s design and year. If you’re unsure, do not guess—verify with the label under the hood or consult the owner’s manual or a qualified automotive HVAC technician.
How to confirm your vehicle’s refrigerant
To avoid guessing and potential damage, follow these identification steps. Each step helps confirm which refrigerant your car requires.
- Look for a refrigerant label under the hood on the radiator support or near the AC compressor that states the exact type, such as "R-134a" or "R-1234yf."
- Inspect the service ports (low- and high-pressure ports) and their fittings; manufacturers often stamp the refrigerant type on nearby components, and some ports are designated for a specific refrigerant.
- Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual or the service/repair documentation for the recommended refrigerant specification for your exact model and year.
- If you’re unsure, use the vehicle’s VIN lookup or contact the dealer or a licensed HVAC technician to confirm the correct refrigerant before any service.
If you cannot locate a clear label or documentation, treat the system as potentially R-134a or R-1234yf and seek professional confirmation. Mixing refrigerants or using the wrong oil can damage the system and violate regulations.
Safety and maintenance considerations
Handling refrigerants requires proper equipment and training. R-1234yf is lower in global warming potential but is mildly flammable and requires specific oils and tools. R-134a is non-flammable and has different oil compatibility. Always use the correct oil (PAG for 134a, POE for 1234yf) and never mix oils or refrigerants. Leaks should be repaired by a qualified technician, and service should follow local environmental regulations.
Labeling and service-port notes
Labels and port fittings are the most reliable clues about which refrigerant your car uses. If a label or documentation is missing, a professional technician can perform a pressure test and identify the correct refrigerant through manufacturer specifications and diagnostic equipment.
Summary
For most modern cars, the refrigerant will be either R-134a or R-1234yf, with R-12 found only in very old vehicles. Confirm the exact type by checking the under-hood label, the owner's manual, or your dealer/technician. Do not mix refrigerants or oils, and rely on licensed technicians for any recharge or repair to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations.
How do I know what refrigerant my car needs?
Finding out which refrigerant your vehicle uses is easy with the help of A/C Pro®. The first place to look for this information is under the hood. Pop the hood and look for a label, which is usually white or bright yellow. On this it will either say “R-134a” or “R-1234yf,” and it may even say what the capacity is.
Can you recharge R-1234YF yourself?
It used to be that only professionals could recharge an AC system, but there are now kits available to do it on your own. What you'll need is: AC recharge kit with refrigerant (R-134a or R-1234yf, depending on your vehicle) Safety gloves and goggles.
Is R-1234YF the same as R-134a?
No, R1234yf is not the same as R134a; they are different refrigerants with distinct chemical compositions and environmental impacts. R134a is being phased out because of its high global warming potential (GWP), while R1234yf is a newer, more environmentally friendly alternative with a much lower GWP. They are not interchangeable, and using the wrong one can damage the vehicle's air conditioning system due to different chemical properties, pressures, and fittings.
You can watch this video to learn the differences between R134a and R1234yf systems: 55sAC PROYouTube · Mar 19, 2025
Key differences
| Feature | R134a | R1234yf |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Impact | High GWP (Global Warming Potential) | Very low GWP (less than 1) |
| Chemical Composition | A hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) | A hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) |
| Flammability | Non-flammable | Mildly flammable (A2L) |
| Vehicle Application | Used in older vehicle models | Used in most new vehicles |
| Physical Connectors | Different fittings from R1234yf | Different fittings from R134a |
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Why they can't be interchanged
- System damage: Using R134a in an R1234yf system can cause catastrophic damage. The systems are designed with different thermodynamic properties and components, such as expansion valves.
- Preventative design: To prevent accidental mixing, vehicles using R1234yf have unique, specific service ports and quick-release connectors that only accept the correct equipment.
- Legal restrictions: It is illegal to put R134a into a system designed for R1234yf, as it violates the Clean Air Act.
Which cars use R-1234YF refrigerant?
Most cars made after 2017 use R1234yf refrigerant, and it has been the standard for all new cars in the US since model year 2021. Major manufacturers like General Motors, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ford, Toyota, and Subaru began transitioning to R1234yf as early as 2013-2014. To confirm which refrigerant your car uses, check the sticker under the hood, typically in the engine bay.
Manufacturers using R1234yf
- General Motors: Started using R1234yf in 2013 and was 100% converted by 2018.
- Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep: Began transitioning around 2013.
- Ford: Transitioned around 2017.
- Toyota and Subaru: Also switched to R1234yf around 2017.
- Volkswagen Group: Has begun rolling out R1234yf in new vehicles.
- Honda: Also uses R1234yf in newer models.
Why this change?
- Environmental reasons: R1234yf is a more environmentally friendly refrigerant with a lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to its predecessor, R134a.
- Regulations: Regulatory bodies like the EPA have mandated its use in new vehicles.
How to identify which refrigerant your car uses
- Check for a sticker in the engine bay or on the underside of the hood.
- The sticker will indicate the type of refrigerant your A/C system uses.
- You can also look for the shape of the service ports, which are different for R1234yf and R134a.
