Munich – September 07, 2026 -- Owners of older cars running on the R134a refrigerant could soon face pricier and harder-to-schedule air conditioning maintenance, according to Germany's ADAC motoring club. Tighter EU rules are further restricting the use of R134a, while no widely available, legally approved alternative exists yet for the existing vehicle fleet.

New cars have banned R134a since 2017

New passenger vehicles have not been allowed to use R134a since 2017, and some workshops now offer conversions to the newer, more climate-friendly refrigerant R1234yf. However, existing R134a systems are generally not built for that swap, and ADAC says clear approvals and technical sign-offs for such conversions are still missing -- raising open questions about vehicle operating permits and liability.

ADAC flags fire risk from cheap online refill kits

The club explicitly warns against low-cost refill kits based on butane or propane, sometimes marketed online under names like R12 or HC-12a. These products are typically not approved for automotive air conditioning systems and can pose a fire risk in the event of a crash or technical fault.

ADAC notes that a working AC system is not just about comfort: it helps cool the cabin and quickly clear fogged windows, contributing directly to driving safety.

ADAC calls for binding rules covering millions of older vehicles

ADAC backs the EU's goal of cutting fluorinated greenhouse gases but says affordable, technically safe, and legally compliant solutions are needed for millions of older cars still running on R134a. The club is demanding a binding legal framework, standardized technical requirements for conversions, and vehicle-specific approvals from manufacturers.