Warm aircon

[DannyboySRI]

The aircon on my vectra is no cooler than just using the ventilation, also when its on I can't hear the pump start or anything, the button lights up but nothing happens.
I know aircon needs regassing after so long, but would that cause it to do nothing or just to run warm?
Its only 4 years old with 50k miles, should it run out that soon?
Planning a 300 mile trip to dorset next week so preying for cool weather lol

[Big Dave]

If the AC system is low, then the compressor won't engage to prevent damage.

As to running out 'so soon'. Maybe the system has a leak. Condenser damage by a stone, or through lack of use in the winter for instance which let the rubber seals dry out?

[MattVecVXR]

Exactly as Big Dave said, I'm in the same position and not looking forward to the potential costly repair for something I'll barely use for the next 8 months.

[merikiito]

You should use your aircon during the winter as it helps clear the screen quicker. Its not just for summer!

[Big Dave]

You should use your aircon during the winter as it helps clear the screen quicker. Its not just for summer!

Used in conjunction with the heater, it is just the same as climate control, although slightly more primative as you have to manually control things instead of the CC doing it for you.

[DannyboySRI]

Used in conjunction with the heater, it is just the same as climate control, although slightly more primative as you have to manually control things instead of the CC doing it for you.

I always use the aircon in winter, warms the car up quicker and demists better, guessing the last owner didn't, as I got the car in march, I can probably live without ac if the repair bill is a big one

[MattVecVXR]

I don't use it for demisting because I use Rain-x anti mist on my windows so never had to. I have always run the aircon in the winter for about an hour a week to prevent MBG in the system and to keep the seals wet, but I've only had the car since March and lost the whole charge the week the warranty ran out.