Auto A/C Terms - Glossary
Contaminants in A/C Systems

Auto A/C systems can become contaminated quickly. That is usually a result of excess moisture that is in the system and can not be trapped or held by the drier. When that happens, contaminants are formed.

A contaminant in the A/C system is really anything other than the refrigerant or the A/C compressor oil. Although there are countless products available to be added to the system like UV dyes, performance enhancers and other products, they are technically considered a contaminant.

Also see details about corrosion in the A/C system to understand more about contaminants.