Instead of attempting this yourself, take your car to a qualified automotive technician. They have the proper equipment, including:
* Refrigerant recovery and recycling machine: This is essential for safely removing the existing refrigerant, which must be recycled or disposed of properly. Releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere is illegal and harmful.
* Vacuum pump: This removes air and moisture from the system before recharging. Moisture in the system can damage the compressor.
* Manifold gauge set: This allows the technician to measure the pressure in the system and ensure proper charging.
* Refrigerant: The correct type of refrigerant is crucial. Your 1993 Impreza likely uses R12, but it might have been converted to R134a. A mechanic will determine the correct refrigerant.
What you *should not* do:
* Attempt to add refrigerant without recovering the existing refrigerant. This is environmentally damaging and potentially dangerous.
* Use a "can of refrigerant" with a fitting you attach yourself. These often lack the necessary safety features and don't properly evacuate the system.
* Guess at the amount of refrigerant needed. Overcharging or undercharging can damage the system.
If you're determined to learn more: Search for videos demonstrating professional A/C service. However, remember that watching videos does not give you the knowledge or skills to safely perform this task. The potential risks outweigh the benefits of attempting a DIY recharge.
In short: Take your car to a qualified mechanic. It's the safest, most efficient, and most environmentally responsible option.
