Beginning in the mid-2010s, automotive and light-duty vehicle air conditioning systems began transitioning from R-134a to R-1234yf refrigerant. By MY 2021, the transition was complete. While yf, as we call it in the industry, is more environmentally friendly than prior
The Road Ahead: How will the Pandemic Impact Automotive A/C Aftermarket
The COVID-19 pandemic is an incomparable, once-in-a-lifetime global public health, societal and economic disruption. Since it was identified in 2019, over fifty key countries have declared a national emergency in response to the coronavirus. It has affected just about every
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH—2663 and 2664—Valve Core/Service Port Cap Assortments
FJC offers a wide range of high quality air conditioning tools to restore the performance of mobile A/C systems. Proper tools allows effective repair, discharge and maintenance of automotive air conditioners. Our product assortments are unmatched. Part #2663 includes
Mr. Fixit: 5 Ways to Extend Your Car’s Battery Life
Car batteries generally last between three and six years. Which end of that range a battery’s life will fall depends largely upon how it is treated. Multiple discharge/recharge cycles shorten the battery life. Frequency of use and length of road
R-134a Market Trends/Pricing Projections
As mentioned in an earlier article, beginning January 1st, 2022, the United States will implement the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act to cap and phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in the United States. This legislation
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH—501—Polar IceTM R-134a Refrigerant with Extreme ColdTM Performance Booster
FJC’s Extreme Cold™ boosts the performance of your automotive air conditioning by lowering duct temperature by over 15%. See our case study here which confirms the efficacy of this claim. In addition to the “colder cold” coming into your cabin, you will
R-1234yf and the HD/Trucking Market
The automotive A/C aftermarket is a heavily regulated industry. For example, SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy) was established by the EPA under Section 612 of the Clean Air Act to identify and evaluate sustitues for ozone-depleting substances. SNAP also addressed
Mr. Fixit’s Guide to Retrofit
Over the past thirty years, the mobile air conditioning industry has experienced extensive changes. Until 1995, automotive A/Cs used refrigerant R-12. After 1995, the industry switched to R-134a. In 2015, we began transitioning to R-1234yf, but for the purpose of
Choosing the Best Merchandise for Your Automotive Retail Store
A lot of factors must be considered when buying new merchandise to stock a retail establishment. The experts at FJC can help you successfully navigate these factors, but in the meantime here are some considerations to get you thinking strategically.
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH—45265BAG—Booster-In-A-Bag
New for 2022 is the FJC Booster-In-A-Bag. Our 25’ Commercial Duty booster cables enable easy charging even with less-than-ideal vehicle positioning. They boast quality clamps with strong teeth which will help prevent slippage from battery terminals, and plastic handles to
What are Air Conditioning Safety Stickers?
Before you service your automotive air conditioning system, you should look for the vehicle’s A/C safety sticker. Under your vehicle’s hood, you will locate a sticker which contains relevant details specific to the refrigerant requirements of your vehicle. The label
Mr. Fixit: Annual A/C Inspection Checklist
To keep your automotive A/C running well throughout the year, it’s important to be proactive. An annual inspection is recommended, ideally during the Fall or Spring seasons. Many use the change to or from Daylight Saving Time as an inspection
The AIM Act and its Anticipated Effect on the Automotive A/C Aftermarket
On December 27, 2020, the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 was enacted as an unrelated postscript to the Stimulus & Relief bill for COVID. The AIM Act directed the EPA to address and reduce the use of
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH—2800—Non-Contact Laser Thermometer
Easily and quickly measure automotive A/C temperatures from a safe and comfortable distance with FJC’s popular non-contact laser thermometer. Advanced infrared technology accurately measures surface temperatures (not for checking human internal body temperatures). Obtain dynamic readings by pulling the trigger,
A/C Compressor Troubleshooting
As the “heart” of the A/C system, the compressor performs a critical duty in the cooling of your vehicle. A compressor is a rotating pump which circulates refrigerant throughout the A/C system. Symptoms of a bad A/C compressor include: The
Mr. Fixit: How to Use Manifold Gauges
Before servicing a vehicle, confirm system refrigerant type. Cross contamination of refrigerants can cause damage to A/C system, service tools and equipment. Be sure to always use protective hand and eye wear. The right (red) side of the manifold is
Leak Sealers are Not All Created Equal—Read the Fine Print!
If you’ve ever shopped for DIY refrigerant products, you’ve undoubtedly read some product descriptions which sound similar— Refrigerant with ……”Stop Leak”, “Leak Stop”, “Leak Sealer”, “Leak Sealant”, “Conditioners”, “Kwik Seal”, “Quick Stop”, etc. Are these all the same? Are they
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH— 695DT 134a Pure Refrigerant with Dispensing Top – 12 oz
FJC has been delighted by the incredible response from the DIY market for our all-in-one, no tools required, refrigerant products. These innovative devices feature an ease-of-use dispensing cap which makes charging an automotive A/C system simple and trouble-free. Our straight
To What Pressure Should I Fill My Mobile A/C?
For a mobile air-conditioning system to run efficiently, the correct amount of refrigerant must be installed in the system. Both an under– or over-charge will affect efficiency, and the latter could even damage the system. But how does one hit
Mr. Fixit—How Can I Determine Which Refrigerant is in My A/C System?
We sometimes hear from customers wondering what type of refrigerant is in their air conditioning system. It’s important to correctly identify the refrigerant prior to a recharge because mixing refrigerants is not only illegal, but dangerous. As a general guideline,
Guide to Booster Cables
At FJC we understand that all booster cables are not the same, but—then again—neither are all users. Learn about important considerations for this invaluable tool and always be sure to read all instructions and follow all safety rules before using.
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH—2724—R-1234yf Hand turn Oil and Dye Injector
Most cars will not engage the A/C compressor when there is an inadequate supply of oil in the system. You may prefer to have UV dye in your system before there is a leak so if your system fails to
Why Don’t They Use Carbon Dioxide in Automotive Air Conditioning?
Everyone appreciates that regulations stemming from environmental concerns has been steering the direction of automotive A/C refrigerants for the past twenty-five years or so. In the 1990s we moved away from R-12, a CFC, in favor of R-134a, an HFC,
Mr. Fixit: Where is the Low Side Service Port?
An automotive air conditioning system is a closed loop. As the refrigerant moves through the system it is subject to pressure variations which change the phase of the refrigerant from liquid to gas and back again. As these phase changes
Good to Know: How Does an Internal Heat Exchanger (IHX) Work?
R-1234yf absorbs slightly less energy per unit of flow in a refrigerant cycle compared to R-134a. In order to compensate for that differential, yf systems utilize an Internal Heat Exchanger (IHX). The IHX (sometimes called a Suction Line Heat Exchanger
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH—2806—Hand-held Hydraulic Crimper Kit for A/C Hoses
Portable Hydraulic Hose Crimping kits are ideal for repairing or creating new hose lines onsite. You’ve come to the right place—FJC’s offering in this category is extremely HIGH QUALITY and exceptionally LOW PRICE! Our lightweight and compact crimping kit is
How Different is an R-1234yf Mobile Air Conditioning System?
All automotive air conditioning systems are self-contained structures which cool the cabin of a vehicle by changing the phase of refrigerant from gas to liquid and back again by applying and releasing pressure on it. The ability of refrigerant gas
What is the Difference Between a Receiver/Drier and an Accumulator?
When your air conditioning system has been open to the atmosphere for a period of time, it is susceptible to contamination by moisture or foreign particulate. It is important that the moisture be removed from the system, as it can
Mr. FixIt: No Air is Blowing Through my Vents!
Have you ever gotten into your car on a hot summer day, eager to cool off with MAX COOL A/C, only to find there is no air coming through your vents? (No cool air, no warm air….just literally NO air!)
Vacuum Pump Maintenance
A vacuum pump is a literal workhorse in aftermarket air conditioning. Once you’ve chosen and purchased the right pump, your goal should be to protect and maintain your investment. Because it removes moisture, acid and other contaminants from an A/C
Automotive A/C Lubricants
What is the difference between the various A/C compressor oils on the market, and do those differences really matter? As the EPA has introduced more environmentally-friendly regulations, the automotive industry has had to embrace more stringent vehicle engineering standards. This
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH—9165—POLAR ICE™ Kwik Seal™ Stop Leak
FJC’s POLAR ICE™ Kwik Seal™ is different from all the other Leak Seal treatments on the market (and by “different from” we mean “BETTER THAN”). FJC’s Stop Leak Treatment is a 3 ounce miracle which contains special sealing additives which
O-Ring Care: Lubricants and Conditioners
O-rings are small but vital donut-shaped gaskets in an automotive A/C system. They are seated in such a way as to create a leak-free area at each connection where the hard metal and soft O-ring meet. O-ring lubricants and conditioners
What is an SDS Sheet, and What is it For?
A safety data sheet (SDS), (previously called a “material safety data sheet” (MSDS)), is a document which lists information relating to occupational safety and health for the use of various substances and products. Unlike the MSDS, the new SDS sheets
Interactive Refrigerant Can Finder
So, you’ve determined your vehicle’s A/C needs a charge…..but the choices on the shelf seem confusing. Do you need a leak stop? Red or UV dye? A performance booster? Let our Interactive Refrigerant Finder help you determine the correct product
Understanding Refrigerant Pricing
Over the years many people have noticed price volatility in the refrigerant market. Price fluctuations can make users feel concerned about whether they are getting fair pricing on their refrigerants, and wonder why the prices are not more stable. The
FJC’s Extreme Cold™ Performance Booster
You may have heard of air conditioning performance boosters, but don’t know quite what they do, or if they are necessary. Well, we can’t speak about ALL performance boosters, but we CAN speak about FJC’s proprietary Extreme Cold™. WHAT DOES
How Much Refrigerant Should I Add?
So your AC is blowing warm, and you know you need a refrigerant charge, but how much should you buy? And considering that both too much and too little refrigerant will make the system not work properly, how much should
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH—2458/2459 R-1234yf Refrigerant Oil
FJC’s Part # 2458 (8 oz) and 2459 (Quart) ZEROL HD46 is a polyalkylene glycol lubricant designed specifically for application with R-1234yf refrigerant in mobile air conditioning systems. The oil is a double end-capped PAG, and is manufactured to exacting
Don’t Forget to Flush! (Your A/C System)
When an automotive A/C compressor failure occurs, debris from the failed unit can scatter throughout the system. These particles can clog up passages in the system and cause problems after you’ve replaced the failed compressor. Even tiny particles can cause
R-1234yf Service Port Caps
Service port caps are the primary seal for a vehicle’s A/C system’s service ports. Once again, FJC is on the forefront of the automotive air conditioning market by being one of the few providers of R-1234yf high and low side
Get Your Car “Spring Ready”
Ah, Spring! As the days get longer, moods elevate and people are ready to get out and enjoy the fresh air and awakening scenery. For many of us that includes car rides to and from our location, and increasingly in
R-1234yf Aftermarket Demand
Although the year is still relatively new, in terms of A/C systems needing aftermarket service, 2021 already represents a big change in the industry. Since R-134a was introduced in the mid-1990s, most of the needs in the automotive A/C industry
Weitron/FJC Top Quality Refrigerants Made in USA
The quality of Weitron/FJC’s Made in USA refrigerants is unmatched. We perform in-house testing for purity, moisture, acidity and non-condensable gases, providing consistently exceptional results for our refrigerants . You can be confident our refrigerants meet or exceed AHRI 700
Is R-134a in Our Rear View Mirror?
Due to requirements under the 2015 SNAP program (section of the Clean Air Act), to reduce ozone-depleting substances and replace them with more environmentally sustainable alternatives, USA law required elimination of R-134a in all 2021 and later model year cars.
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH—2850—Heavy Duty Diecast Aluminum Refrigerant Scale
A perfect refrigerant scale is durable, sturdy, highly accurate, and affordable, and FJC’s HD scale ticks all those boxes. It boasts a rugged, compact design, and is completely portable. Made of high quality aluminum and silicone, the non-slip grip on
Understanding Mobile Air Conditioning
Automotive air conditioning is a self-contained system which cools the cabin of a car by changing the phase of refrigerant from gas to liquid and back again by applying and releasing pressure on it. Each part of the system is
Find & Repair Automotive A/C Leaks
One of the most common problems causing a mobile A/C to blow warm, especially after a long winter or period of non-use, is a refrigerant leak. While it can be a DIY repair, diagnosing and fixing an automotive A/C system
21 Automotive A/C Tips for 2021
It’s a New Year—so out with the old and in with the NEW! Well, how about we keep some of the “old” and bring in some “cutting edge”? That’s more in keeping with the FJC tradition of being on the
Mr. Fixit: DIY vs Take it to the Shop?
Have you ever experienced a sweltering day where you started your vehicle, cranked the A/C and a few moments later realized it’s simply not generating cold air? It’s happened to most of us at one point or another. But what
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH—6842—Universal Side Can Tap R-12/R-134a/R-1234yf
Do you still have some old puncture-style refrigerant cans in the garage, but can no longer find puncture-style dispensing equipment? Is your local liquidator selling puncture-style cans for a fraction of the price of self-sealing? Does your business use a
Everything You Need to Know About Automotive A/C and Cold Weather
It’s good to know…. Air conditioning system doesn’t only cool the air, it also conditions it by drying and filtering it. Operating your vehicle’s A/C during colder months can prolong the life of your vehicle’s system and, even more importantly,
Automotive A/C Repair: SAFETY FIRST!
Refrigerant and DIY tools for Automotive A/C repair are readily available at any auto parts store. While this “ease of access” somewhat translates into “ease of use,” it is imperative to be aware at all times of the potential risks
2021 New Year’s Resolutions (for Your Vehicle)
So, 2020 is (finally!) in the rear view mirror and the year ahead is an open road, waiting to be travelled. We know you’ve got big plans for 2021….and if you keep up with these “Vehicle Resolutions” you can be
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH—2711 Nitrogen Flush Kit
Nitrogen is a dry, inert gas with multiple uses within the automotive A/C industry. Nitrogen flushing is the process by which unwanted gases and contaminants are eliminated from the A/C system using nitrogen gas instead of chemicals. The FJC Nitrogen
Compressor OE Lubricant Interchange
FJC carries PAG, POE, Zerol and mineral oils in a variety of viscosities to service every type of automotive air conditioning system. Choosing the correct lubricant for your Air Conditioning system can be confusing. We always recommend that you check
Service Maintenance Parts Kits and Assortments
O-rings, gaskets, sealing washers, caps, keyways, shims, fittings, valve cores, orifice tubes and other service items are the lifeblood of every A/C Service Technician. These are the small parts and pieces a tech reaches for over and over throughout the
FJC – 2021 New and Innovative Products for the Automotive Aftermarket Air Conditioning Market
As always, FJC is on the forefront of many exciting innovations in the automotive aftermarket air conditioning market. We have integrated the ideas of the most forward-thinking people in our industry to create new products, and improve existing products, to
FJC’s 2021 Catalog Makes its Debut
One thing we frequently hear from our customers is that a physical printed catalog really sets FJC apart from the competition. This physical, tangible resource becomes a permanent part of their business. They like having a copy or two on
R-1234yf Refrigerant and the Environment
Pollution is the introduction of substances which cause adverse changes in the environment or living organisms. We’re all familiar with contaminated waterways, improper waste disposal, and noise and light pollution. We are going to focus on the role refrigerants play
FJC’s Fall Promo Going on RIGHT NOW! (EXPIRED 12/31/20)
As we head into the cold fall and winter months, FJC is offering exceptional deals, prices and terms on our Service Tools and Equipment, Engine Cooling Tools and Kits, Battery Testers, Tools, Inverters, Booster Cables , Retail Displays—AND MORE!! Below
Polar Ice 12 oz R-134a PLUS Additives with Dispensing Tops
FJC is delighted to report that in response to overwhelming demand from the DIY market, we are introducing a new line of all-in-one, no tools required, R-134a plus additives. This innovative- product line features an ease-of-use dispensing cap which makes
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH—Pro-Series Service Item Assortment
There’s a reason we call our #4400 Pro-Series Service Item Assortment the ULTIMATE Assortment for A/C Specialists, and that’s because this deluxe kit contains all your shop’s requirements of O-rings, gaskets, sealing washers, keyways, shims, fittings, caps, orifice tubes, etc.
FJC Automotive A/C Market Watch 2021
At FJC we are monitoring a trend in the automotive air conditioning aftermarket towards the professional tech, as opposed to the DIYer. Some reasons for this change are: Complexity of newer vehicles and A/C systems Time Management—car owners don’t work
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET for R-134a (1,1,1,2-TETRAFLUOROETHANE CF3-CH2F)
GUARANTEED COMMERCIAL SPECIFICATIONS MAIN APPLICATIONS R-134a is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) which can be used for domestic, commercial and industrial refrigeration as well as air conditioning, fluid cooling, and heat pump applications. R-134a is the refrigerant of choice of many automotive
Using Automotive A/C Q & A
(1) Is it bad to run an automotive air conditioner when it’s cold out? Running the a/c in the winter months does not cause any harm to the car’s heating and cooling system. In fact, there are many benefits to running
Do I need to Routinely Change my Automotive Serpentine (Drive) Belt?
It’s easy to assume your automotive A/C is performing poorly due to a compressor failure, however, it’s quite possible the culprit might be your belt. It’s good practice to first check your entire drive system for wear and proper tenson
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH—KWIK SEAL Air Conditioning Stop Leak & Conditioners
If you have noticed a sudden change in your A/C output, you may have a leak in a metal component. These leaks can be caused by accidents or other damage, or corrosion from moisture in the system. These type of
Automotive Refrigerant Pressure/Temperature Chart
LMK2020
ELECTRIC/HYBRID VEHICLE MUST READ: Your A/C system is VERY Different
As electric and hybrid vehicles continue to gain in popularity, we have been receiving an increasing number of inquiries regarding OEM requirements, safety precautions and general procedures regarding the A/C evacuation, recycling, and charging procedures on these vehicles. In 2020,
Importance of Checking and Changing Vacuum Pump oil
It’s a question we hear all the time at FJC. “Do I REALLY need to change my vacuum pump oil?” The answer is a resounding, “Yes—for the sake of your vacuum pump AND your system!” Vacuum pump oil is a
Putting Extreme Cold® Performance-Boosting Refrigerant Additive to the Test
An inexpensive way to potentially increase the cooling properties of automotive A/C systems is through the addition of performance-boosting refrigerant additives. But, do they really work? Performance additives, like FJC’s Extreme Cold® circulate through the A/C system and increase the
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH—43664—DELUXE RADIATOR AND RADIATOR CAP PRESSURE TEST KIT WITH AIR LIFT
FJC Power Division offers an incredible line of radiator and cooling system pressure test and refill kits to help you find internal and external leaks in your cooling system and test radiator caps for proper operation. Today we will focus
When Should I Change my A/C Filter?
An A/C filter, or cabin air filter, is a simple but important element of a mobile A/C system. The filter helps maintain air quality within the vehicle cabin. It does this by removing contaminants such as dust, dirt, smoke, pollen,
Is it Normal for my Car’s A/C to Freeze Up?
No. No, it’s not. A properly functioning vehicle air conditioning system is absolutely crucial to maintaining a cool and comfortable interior cabin, especially during the heat of summer. That’s why when things start to go wrong, we are so impatient
Sealing leaks in Automotive A/C
Under normal conditions you should never have to recharge you automotive A/C with refrigerant. The system is, after all, a closed loop through which the refrigerant flows ad infinitum. So what does it mean if your system starts blowing warm
20 “Must Have” Items to Help Grow Your HEAVY DUTY Business
When you’re in need of heavy-duty air conditioning products, tools, equipment and refrigerant, think FJC HD! FJC is committed to supporting and advancing the commercial vehicle industry. To that end, we carry an extensive inventory of A/C products, tools, equipment
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH—5109 Nitrogen/Hydrogen Gas Electronic Leak Detection System
Due to the high cost of R-1234yf refrigerant, FJC recommends checking for leaks in yf systems with a Nitrogen/Hydrogen gas electronic leak detection system. Using hydrogen/nitrogen as your tracer gas provides a significant cost savings over R-1234yf or helium while
How to Vacuum an Automotive A/C
When a mobile A/C system needs to be repaired, the first step taken is usually to recover the refrigerant from the system for reuse later. An A/C vacuum pump is used to remove unwanted air and water vapor when it
What Can Cause a Rattle in Automotive A/C?
Hot temperatures outside generally means cranking up your car’s A/C, but what if you do that and a rattling noise accompanies the cool flowing air? Hearing any sort of rattling noise from your car can cause stress and concern. A
Is it OK to Run the A/C While the Heater is On?
It may seem counter-intuitive to run your mobile A/C when the weather’s cool, or even freezing, however running the A/C in the winter not only does not do any harm to your heating/cooling system, it may in fact, offer benefits.
R-1234yf Parts
LMK 2020
OEM vs Aftermarket Car Parts
With automotive air conditioning, as with all automotive repairs, when you need repairs you generally have two costs: parts and labor. Generally the labor cost is a constant—either you do the repairs yourself, incurring no labor costs, or you hire
Should I Choose a Brass or Aluminum Manifold Gauge Set?
For an A/C tech, a quality set of manifold gauges is an important diagnosis and service tool. We’ve referenced the issue of brass vs aluminum within the text of a previous blog, but since we’re still receiving questions about it,
SALES EVENT: Celebration of America’s Re-Opening 5/15 – 7/3 (EXPIRED 7/3/2020)
At FJC we recognize that our customers may need a little help easing back into running their businesses after a couple months of lagging, or non-existent sales. Money is tight, people are spooked, and we certainly could all use a
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH—45255 Commercial Heavy Duty Booster Cables
When considering a purchase of booster cables, cable gauge, resistance, clamps, length and product cost are all important considerations. It is imperative to not sacrifice one quality for another. For example, choosing a long cable at the expense of sub-par
Top 4 Causes of Air Conditioning Leaks (And What to do About Them)
A vehicle’s air conditioner keeps the cabin cool and comfortable on hot days. To do that effectively, it requires the correct level of refrigerant in the system. Since refrigerant is not “consumed” or used up in the normal process of
Quarantine Car Care
During the current lock down, it may not be possible to bring your vehicle into a shop for maintenance/repair. However, if (like many of us) you find yourself with extra time on your hands, and can tackle simple maintenance like
Car A/C Leaking Water?
Is there water pooling inside or outside of your vehicle? While there are a few potential causes, the culprit may likely be an A/C water leak. A/C water leaks are very different from the A/C refrigerant leaks that we often
How Often Should I Charge my A/C?
Wait one second! Stop right there! Unlike most components under your hood, an air conditioning system does not require a regular service or maintenance charging schedule. In fact, your vehicle’s A/C might NEVER need to be recharged unless you’ve been
How Does a Windshield Defroster Work?
Fogged up, “unclear” windows are not just an inconvenience, they present a “clear” driving danger. When the air temperature inside a vehicle is warmer than the temperature outside, the water molecules inside the cabin can go through a process of
In These Digital Times, Why Does FJC Still Provide a Printed Catalog?
I admit it. When I started working for FJC a couple years ago I questioned their printed catalog strategy. “We have the INTERNET nowadays,” I argued, “We don’t need to pay to design, print and mail out physical catalogs!” It
Vehicle Temperature Control in 2020
How lucky are we to be able to control the temperature inside of our vehicles’ cabins to help keep us comfortable and safe in all seasons and temperatures?!? Although it wasn’t always the case, in 2020 we’d be hard-pressed to
Will Coronavirus Affect FJC Service and Supplies?
With the COVID-19 global pandemic continuing to escalate, we wanted to share with you a brief summary of our response to this crisis. Along with the safety of our employees, customers and community our priority is to ensure that we
How do I Know Whether I Should Charge my A/C?
A/C systems operate by utilizing a compressor which pressurizes and circulates refrigerant and oil through the system, producing cold air through refrigerant phase changes. The refrigerant starts out as a gas in the low-pressure side, and is converted into a
Prepare Your Vehicle for Summer NOW
Spring is right around the corner, and right after that we’ll be hit with the stifling heat of summer. FJC’s distributors are already purchasing their refrigerant, tools and equipment for the upcoming season so they’re prepared. It’s equally important for
Does Running A/C Really Affect Gas Mileage?
We should all try to conserve fuel, whether for the environment or our pocketbooks—or both. It is with this notion in mind that we address an age-old question: Is it more fuel efficient to drive with the A/C running, or
What is a Spark Free/Spark Proof Tool?
In general, “Spark Free” tools are made of materials that do not contain iron and which utilize manufacturing processes which reduce the risk of a spark being created while the tool is in use . They protect against both fire
27 Tips for 27 Years
It’s been 27 years since Lynn Parnell established FJC (short for Fruit Jar Chemist), creating A/C flushes in his NC garage. We’ve come a long way since then—we’ve expanded our product line, our staff, and our footprint— now filling two
Become an FJC Distributor
FJC receives daily requests from customers who want to buy our products for their personal use. However, because FJC does not directly sell to end users, we refer these potential buyers to our established and knowledgeable distributor partners. At FJC
Are There Times I Should NOT Add Refrigerant to my Automotive A/C?
Quite simply, yes! FJC has been providing quality air conditioning products, tools, equipment and refrigerants for over 25 years, and while we love to help DYIers save money, we would be negligent in our duty if we didn’t advise that
How are China Tariffs Affecting Pricing in the American Automotive Aftermarket?
As part of his strategy against the Chinese “Made in China 2025” industrial policy, In July 2018 the Trump Administration placed $34 billion in tariffs on goods coming from China, prompting the Asian powerhouse to retaliate with an equal amount
New Year, New Products!
As in years past, for 2020 FJC has integrated the ideas of the most forward-thinking people in our industry to create new products, and improve existing products, to better meet the changing needs of the automotive Air Conditioning industry. We
O-Ring Lubrication
You might have noticed that FJC offers O-ring Lubricant (Part #2206). You may have also read the description pf this convenient aerosol spray: Use FJC O-ring Lubricant to decrease the surface friction of the O-ring, helping to prevent abrasion, pinching
Service Port Caps—Small but Powerful
Although many techs know (or suspect) this, it may surprise DIYers to know that service port caps are THE primary seal for a vehicle’s A/C system’s service ports. Many erroneously believe the Schrader valve provides the seal for the ports,
Tech Talk – Differences between R-1234yf and R-134a
Component/Design Differences One of the compelling reasons R-1234yf was overwhelmingly chosen to replace R-134a in automotive air conditioning systems is because there are not really many differences between the way the systems are designed and work. There are a couple
The POWER of Nitrogen
Among the new and innovative products unveiled by FJC for 2020 is our highly-anticipated “Power of Nitrogen” line. Nitrogen provides a highly-effective, non-residual and inexpensive method of Flushing, Pressure Testing, and Detecting Leaks in both R-134a and R-1234yf A/C systems.
How Important is a Backflow Preventer for R-1234yf dispensing equipment?
You may have noticed that FJC uses the term “backflow preventer” when describing our refrigerant dispensing tools—can taps, U-charge hoses and Hoses with gauge. You may have also noticed that our competitors might use the term when discussing R-134a tools,
Build a Roadside Emergency Kit
Travel emergencies can happen at any time. Clearly there are steps we can all take to reduce the likelihood of a travel emergency, which will be covered in a future post. However this post contains advice about how to plan
FCT: Freezing Car Tips
Let’s face it, no one likes getting into a vehicle that’s frozen over, however many of us still use the “tips and tricks” of yesteryear to heat our vehicles despite the fact that these are no longer recommended today. In
FJC Battery Testers
Have you ever attempted to start your car only to find it’s not turning over? You think the battery is likely the issue but you’re never really sure. Fortunately, if you own an inexpensive battery tester you can check the
Saying Good-bye to an Invaluable FJC Employee
We sadly announce the resignation of Alicia Mills, who has worked with our company for the past twenty years. Alicia has been the friendly face and kind voice of our company to the public, providing that “Southern Charm” and old-fashioned
Should You Attend AAPEX 2019?
Attention all automotive tradespeople: For three days in early November the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, NV will once again open its doors to targeted vendors and buyers from around the world. From November 5-7. take some time to visit
A/C Inspection Checklist
The following checklist for inspecting an automotive A/C system has been developed from the recommendations of the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) An annual A/C inspection is recommended, ideally during the Fall or Spring seasons. Many use the change to
Why Do Windshields Fog Up (and How to Clear Them)?
Car windows fog up when the temperatures inside and outside the car are very different. In other words, in the summer it happens when a windshield, cooled by cabin A/C, meets hot outside air. In the winter, by contrast, it
AUTOMOTIVE A/C GLOSSARY
ABSOLUTE ZERO – The lowest theoretically possible temperature: complete absence of heat; believed to be -459.67°F (-273.15°C). AIR CONDITIONING – A system for controlling temperature, ventilation and humidity in a vehicle through condensation. Typically used to maintain a cool atmosphere
Should I Save Money and Use a Propane or Butane Refrigerant in My Auto A/C?
Short answer: No. Long answer: There is a reason FJC has never sold propane, ammonia, butane, or blends of them to use as refrigerants—because they are not safe. Propane , Butane, and Ammonia are highly flammable hydrocarbons. Here are several
How Much Refrigerant is the Right Amount to Add?
A question we hear often is, “How do I know how much refrigerant to add to my car’s A/C?” Stated simply, it depends. (1) It depends on the car. Most cars will hold between 28 and 32 ounces of refrigerant
HNBR O-rings
O-rings are common seals used in many industrial applications. There is a wide range of materials from which O-rings can be made, and that material affects the way a particular O-ring will function. Some materials are more durable, others more
Go With the Flow: A/C Expansion Valves and Orifice Tubes
Expansion Valves: The expansion valve is a complex valve which regulates refrigerant flow at the evaporator inlet with an internal moving rod mechanism. This rod opens and closes to differing heights based upon the cooling burden put upon the system.
Going Green: Environmental Impact of MVAC Refrigerants
Refrigerants are substances that are used in an A/C cycle to cool the car cabin. They are responsible for capturing heat and releasing it to another area by using the thermodynamic phenomena of phase changes wherein fluid continually changes into
Beyond “Straight Refrigerants” – R-134a with Additives
FJC offers a complete line of refrigerants for automotive applications. In sizes ranging from 3 oz to 22 oz, the FJC Signature Series offers premium R-134a refrigerant with a gamut of additives for the specific needs of your system. Additives
4 Common Automotive Air Conditioning Problems, and How to Fix Them
MUSTY OR DIRTY AIR COMES THROUGH DASHBOARD VENTS A musty odor, or dirty air coming through the dashboard A/C vents and into the cabin is likely caused by a dirty or moldy A/C evaporator drain hose. As a first line
Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosy? Not for R-1234yf!
“Righty, tighty Lefty loosy.” is a common axiom to help remember which direction tightens and which direction loosens a screw, nut, bolt, etc. To tighten, you must turn it to the right (clockwise). To loosen it, therefore, you turn it
Manifold Gauge Tutorial Guide
Before servicing a vehicle, confirm system refrigerant type. Cross contamination of refrigerants can cause damage to A/C system, service tools and equipment. GENERAL MANIFOLD INFORMATION: The right (red) side of the manifold is the high side and the red gauge
R-1234yf Market Information for 2020
Environmental Property Comparison In the wake of increased global environmental regulation, R-1234yf has been introduced to exceed both United States EPA and European F-Gas phase-out guidelines for high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. R-1234yf has become the industry standard refrigerant
Compressor Failure? Flush that System!
When an automotive A/C compressor failure occurs, it’s best practice to flush out the system before installing the new compressor. Many times when a compressor fails it sends small metal particles throughout the A/C system. These particles can clog up
Pressure Test a Radiator and Radiator Cap
As the coolant in your cooling system increases in temperature, the pressure in the system also increases. Normal operating temperature of a cooling system is around 220 degrees Fahrenheit, which is slightly higher than the boiling point of water. The
FJC’s Stop Leak Named “2019 TOP 10” A/C Leak Stopper
At FJC we know when we’ve got a good thing….but it’s not every day that an independent researcher validates that knowledge by choosing one of our products as a “Top 10” on the market for its category. But that’s exactly
Power Inverter Guide
A power inverter is a device that converts low-voltage Direct Current (DC) power to standard household Alternating Current (AC) power. The inverter does not produce any power on its own, rather it is provided by the DC source. An Inverter