Mixed opinions on whether car ACs lose freon overtime without a leak

[Xulfiqar]

I spray it with APC and use pressure washer to clean the fins once maybe every 6 months.

Never use a pressure washer on a condenser or radiator. You can use any soap/surfactant that is safe on aluminium and rinse with a very low pressure running water stream, The idea is to get the soap out which would have hopefully lifted embedded dirt.

But still 6 months? if you are seeing that much bugs and deposits then you need to install a screen that can be removed and washed. Ive seen quarry trucks not get so dirty that it kills the AC in 6 months.

[pwuser150520264261]

is only water also good enough to remove dust and dirt particles from condenser?

[Xulfiqar]

How much dust and dirt are you accumulating every 6 months?

[pwuser150520264261]

this much

[pwuser150504674948]

Minor difference is felt.

[pwuser150504674948]

I spray it from distance and keep the water jet aligned with the fins in order to not to bend them.

I use APC diluted 2:10 so I reckon its safe for aluminum.

[pwuser150504674948]

More important is to not remove the plastic cladding around the radiator and condensor that helps the fan to draw air through the fins rather around them.

Ive seen mechanics either breaking or removing it or not fitting it properly whenever radiator or condensor is opened.

This is one of the major reasons for loss of cooling when the car is stationary or in slow moving traffic.

[Xulfiqar]

Dont see much of anything, this dust is normal.