Air con evaporator replacement for almost all makes

Air con evaporator replacement in Rotterdam

On most cars the dashboard has to come out to fit a new evaporator. That is why we first use a leak test to find out whether the leak is in the evaporator.

Rotterdam family business since 1979 | 4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews | F-gas certified | Quote in advance

The short answer

The air con evaporator sits behind the dashboard. It cools and dries the air that comes into the car. On most cars the dashboard has to come out to fit a new evaporator. That is often eight to twelve hours of work, spread over one to two days. It is one of the most expensive repairs on a car’s air con.

That is why Autobedrijf Willemsbrug in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde first finds the leak with a nitrogen test. Then we check the condensate drain for traces of oil and UV dye. The dashboard only comes out once the measurements point to the evaporator. Often the leak is somewhere much easier to repair.

Is there water on the floor on the passenger side? That is usually a blocked condensate drain, not a leaking evaporator. You hear the cost of the leak test in advance. For the replacement you get a quote first, and we only start after you approve it. Call +31 10 479 00 00 with your registration number.

Jump to: usually not the evaporator · signs · how we work · costs · prevention · frequently asked questions · directions

Four problems that are usually not the evaporator

Many problems look like a faulty evaporator but have a different cause. Do you recognise one of these four? Then the dashboard can probably stay where it is.

There is water on the floor on the passenger side

This is usually a blocked condensate drain. The evaporator takes moisture out of the air. That water drains away under the car through a small hose. If the hose is blocked with leaves or dirt, the water runs into the car. Clearing the drain is a small repair.

Does the moisture smell sweet? Then it is probably coolant from the heater matrix. That is a different repair.

The air con smells musty

Then there are usually bacteria and mould on the evaporator. It does not need replacing for that. We clean the evaporator and replace the cabin filter. Read more about air con cleaning or our article on why your car’s air con smells (in Dutch).

The air con no longer cools

Then refrigerant has often leaked out. The evaporator is only one of the places where a system can leak. O-rings, hoses, the condenser and the compressor leak more often and are easier to reach. That is why we start by finding the leak.

The windows keep misting up

Often the cabin filter is dirty or the condensate drain is not draining properly. Then moisture stays in the car. Sometimes it is only that recirculation is switched on. You can read more in our article on misted windows and the air con (in Dutch).

These signs point to a leaking air con evaporator

With these signs the evaporator becomes a suspect. Usually more than one sign has to fit before we take the dashboard apart.

  • The air con blows warm again within a few weeks after every regas
  • The nitrogen test shows that the system leaks, but no leak can be found on the outside
  • UV dye from an earlier regas shows up in the condensate water under the car
  • There is an oily residue in the condensate drain

Under the European rules for car air con, a leak should be repaired first. That is why we do not regas a system that we know is leaking. Read more in our article on whether a garage can regas a leaking air con (in Dutch).

Do you recognise these signs? Call +31 10 479 00 00 with your registration number. Has your air con been regassed before? Tell us when you call. Then we start with the leak test, not with a regas.

How we replace your air con evaporator

With the evaporator, a wrong diagnosis costs a lot of money, because the dashboard has to come out. That is why we start by measuring. We do this in five steps.

We work by appointment. You bring your car Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 8.30 am or on Saturday at 9.00 am. For a quick question or check you can walk in without an appointment.

1. Pressure check and nitrogen test

We measure the pressures, recover the refrigerant and pressurise the system with dry nitrogen. If the pressure drops, the system is leaking. We first check all the places that are easy to reach. You hear the cost of the leak test in advance.

2. Checking the condensate drain

The evaporator itself cannot be seen without taking things apart. If we find no leak on the outside, we look for clues at the evaporator. We check the condensate drain and the condensate water for traces of oil and of UV dye from an earlier regas. If we find them, the evaporator is the likely cause. You only know for certain once the evaporator has been removed.

3. Result and quote

We tell you what we have found. You get a quote with the parts, labour, refrigerant and VAT. We also discuss whether the repair is in proportion to the value of your car. We only start after you approve it.

4. Removing the dashboard

We disconnect the battery and the airbags following the manufacturer’s instructions. Then we remove the dashboard and the heater box. This is precise work, with many connectors, cables and air ducts.

5. New evaporator, vacuum, regas and test

We fit the new evaporator with new O-rings. A system that has been opened needs a new receiver drier. This is included in your quote. Where needed we also replace the expansion valve. Then we put the system under vacuum and fill it with R134a or R1234yf. Finally we test the cooling and check the system for leaks.

How much does it cost to replace an air con evaporator?

We do not have a fixed price for this. The price varies widely from car to car. After the leak test you get a quote with the parts, labour, refrigerant and VAT. These points decide the price:

  • Labour. This makes up most of the price. Taking the dashboard out and putting it back is often eight to twelve hours of work.
  • The make and model. On some cars the evaporator is easier to reach than on others.
  • The parts. These are the evaporator itself, a new receiver drier and sometimes the expansion valve.
  • The refrigerant. The system is refilled. R1234yf costs more than R134a.

For comparison: on the market, replacing an air con evaporator usually costs € 1,000 to € 2,000. That is a guide price and not a quote from us. The ANWB gives a figure of around € 1,500. Read more in our article on what an air con repair costs (in Dutch). Our repairs come with a warranty. With the quote you hear which warranty you get.

Is replacement still worth it on an older car?

That depends on the car. Our rule of thumb: does the repair cost more than about a quarter of your car’s current value? Then talk to us first about what makes sense. On an older car we sometimes advise against the repair, because the car is no longer worth that cost. The choice is yours.

Unsure about a quote from another garage? Ask us for a second opinion. Then we first measure whether the leak really is in the evaporator.

How to lower the risk of a leaking evaporator

An evaporator usually starts leaking because of corrosion. Dirt and moisture stay on the aluminium and attack it. These four points lower the risk.

  • Replace the cabin filter on time. An old filter stops dirt less well. That dirt stays on the evaporator.
  • Keep the grille below the windscreen clear. Leaves that stay there get into the air intake and can block the drain.
  • Switch the air con on every month. Do this in winter too. Ten minutes is enough to pump the oil round and keep the seals supple.
  • Have the air con serviced and cleaned on time. You can read what is needed and when in our car air con maintenance schedule (in Dutch).

Is your air con cooling less well, but not empty yet? Then you are probably in time. Have the leak found first. Read more about maintenance on our air con service page.

Frequently asked questions about the air con evaporator

No need to click. All the answers are already open below.

How much does it cost to replace an air con evaporator?

We do not have a fixed price for this. Labour makes up most of the price. On most cars the dashboard has to come out, and that is often eight to twelve hours of work. After the leak test you get a quote with the parts, labour, refrigerant and VAT. We only start after you approve it.

For comparison: on the market, replacing an air con evaporator usually costs € 1,000 to € 2,000. That is a guide price and not a quote from us. The ANWB gives a figure of around € 1,500. Call +31 10 479 00 00 with your registration number.

How do I know whether the leak is in the evaporator?

You only know after a measurement. We pressurise the system with nitrogen and first check all the places that are easy to reach. If we find no leak there, we check the condensate drain and the condensate water for traces of oil and of UV dye from an earlier regas. If we find them, the evaporator is the likely cause. You only know for certain once the evaporator has been removed.

There is water on the floor on the passenger side. Is the evaporator leaking?

No. Usually the condensate drain is blocked. The evaporator takes moisture out of the air. That water drains away under the car through a small hose. If the hose is blocked, the water runs into the car. Clearing the drain is a small repair.

Does the moisture smell sweet? Then it is probably coolant from the heater matrix.

Does the whole dashboard have to come out for a new evaporator?

Yes. On most cars it does. The evaporator sits in the heater box behind the dashboard. On some cars it can be reached through the glovebox or the centre console. Then there is less work. With the quote you hear what your car needs.

Can an air con evaporator be repaired?

No. An evaporator is made of thin aluminium with very fine channels. A leak in it usually cannot be sealed for good. We advise against leak sealant, because it can build up in the expansion valve and the receiver drier. That is why we replace a leaking evaporator.

How long does it take to replace an evaporator?

Allow one to two days. The dashboard has to come out and then go back in carefully. You leave the car with us. You bring it Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 8.30 am or on Saturday at 9.00 am. With the quote you hear how long we need for your car. You can use a free loan bike while one is available.

Do I pay separately for the leak test?

Yes. The leak test is a separate job. You hear what it costs in advance, when you make the appointment. The leak test tells you whether the leak is in the evaporator or somewhere else. This lowers the chance of the dashboard coming out for nothing.

Can I keep driving with a leaking air con evaporator?

Yes. With a petrol or diesel car you usually can. Do switch the air con off. With too little refrigerant the compressor is not lubricated as well. Bear in mind that the windows mist up more quickly without air con.

Do you drive an electric car or a plug-in hybrid? On many of these cars the air con system also cools the battery. Have a leak checked soon. Read more about air con on an electric car.

Air con evaporator replacement in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde

You will find us at Boterdiep 11 (3077 AW) in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, close to Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip) and exit 24 Rotterdam-Feijenoord on the A16. The A15 is five minutes’ drive away. There is free parking outside if there is space. The tram stop Stadion Feijenoord (line 3) is close by.

We are also easy to reach from Barendrecht, Ridderkerk, Capelle aan den IJssel, Krimpen aan den IJssel, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht and Zwijndrecht. Leaving your car with us? You can use a free loan bike while one is available.

Plan your route to Boterdiep 11 or see our contact page.

Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 8.00 to 17.30
Saturday: 9.00 to 15.00
Sunday: closed
We are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

The leak test first, then the dashboard

Call us for a leak test. You hear the cost of the test in advance. If the leak is in the evaporator, you get a quote for the replacement.

Our score is 4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews. Read what our customers say (in Dutch).

See also our air con service, leak test, air con repair and air con cleaning.

Nederlands? Deze pagina is er ook in het Nederlands.