Owners of These Cars Face a New Problem as EU Rules Threaten Higher Costs

Owners of older cars could soon face a less obvious motoring expense: keeping their air-conditioning systems running. The problem affects vehicles that use R134a, a refrigerant becoming harder to obtain in Europe because of tighter environmental rules.

Germany’s ADAC has warned that EU regulations on fluorinated greenhouse gases are steadily reducing the quantities of R134a allowed on the market. The refrigerant has not been permitted in new vehicles since 2017, but many older cars still on European roads depend on it.

The market quota stood at 31% of the initial amount in 2024. ADAC says it is expected to fall to 17% in 2027 and just 9% in 2030. Use is scheduled to end completely by 2050. Because R134a also serves other cooling systems, the shrinking supply could push up the price of the remaining gas and raise the cost of refilling car air-conditioning units.

One possible solution is to adapt older systems for newer refrigerants. But ADAC stresses that R1234yf cannot simply be poured into a system designed for R134a. Any conversion requires checks on technical compatibility and the necessary approvals. Unverified modifications could create safety problems and leave vehicles out of compliance with regulations.

The club also cautions against cheap online refill kits sold under labels including R12 and HC-12a. Some use flammable hydrocarbons such as propane or butane. These products are not intended as simple substitutes for automotive refrigerant and could pose additional risks if they leak or a vehicle is involved in a crash. Air-conditioning also helps clear fogged windows, making a properly functioning system important beyond summer comfort.