Program expands eligibility and offers free diagnostic testing in July

Today, the Cool Air Rebate (CAR) Program, which provides financial assistance to low-income Californians to repair leaking vehicle air conditioning systems, announced changes to the program that allow more Californians to stay safe and cool in their cars this summer.

The Cool Air Rebate Program now covers up to 90% of eligible repair costs (an increase from 80% previously) to remove leaking R-134a refrigerant – a greenhouse gas 1,400 times more harmful than CO₂- from car air conditioning systems. The CAR Program is broadening the customer income requirements from 200% of the federal poverty level to 225%, expanding the number of individuals who qualify for the program. Finally, the CAR Program announced it is offering free diagnostic testing to determine vehicle eligibility at participating auto repair shops statewide for applicants in the month of July. These program guideline updates go into effect on July 1, 2025 and are permanent. The free diagnostic is a limited time offer and available only from July 1 - July 31, 2025.

“The critical updates to the Cool Air Rebate Program – increasing the financial assistance to cover up to 90% of repair costs, broadening income eligibility, and offering free diagnostic testing in July – are about making sure more Californians can get the help they need to stay safe and cool,” said Nathan Perrine, Executive Director of the Car Care Council, which manages the CAR Program. “This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about equity and health. Low-income families are often the most impacted by extreme heat, and this program makes it possible for them to fix their car A/C and avoid the heat-related risks that come with driving in extreme heat.”

In addition to helping vulnerable Californians stay safe this summer, a primary goal of the CAR Program is to directly reduce the amount of air pollution caused by the release of R-134a refrigerant in our atmosphere.

According to the American Lung Association's 2025 State of the Air, several California cities are consistently ranked among the worst for ozone pollution, including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Visalia, Bakersfield, Fresno, and Sacramento. Ozone pollution is a major contributor to respiratory illnesses, including asthma attacks and increased asthma-related emergency room visits. Beyond health, ozone’s impact on plant life reduces crop yields and timber production, resulting in significant economic losses.

Since the program debuted as a pilot in Fresno in July 2024, the program has repaired 1,067 vehicles and provided nearly $1.2 million in subsidies to participating auto repair shops statewide. There are more than 110 cities throughout California that are now offering the CAR Program. Funding for the Cool Air Rebate Program comes from unclaimed deposits on cans of R-134a sold in California. Use of the funding was authorized by the California Air Resources Board in 2024.

The CAR Program announced the updates to the program at CSAI Auto Service in Riverside, who has joined more than 225 certified auto repair shops as a CAR Program certified partner. At the announcement event, CSAI Auto Service owner Patricia Summers shared why her shop joined the program.

“We see families every day who put off repairs because they just can’t afford them,” said Summers, owner of CSAI Auto Service in Riverside. “Being part of the Cool Air Rebate Program means we can say ‘yes’ to more people. We’re proud to offer this service to our community.”

Rancho Cucamonga resident Tara S. had her vehicle A/C repaired through the Cool Air Rebate Program last month, after driving without a functioning A/C for two years. Tara lives with her 80-year-old mother, who has Alzheimer’s and is very sensitive to high temperatures, which meant running errands either very early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the extreme heat.

“My mom and I have a limited income, and we couldn’t afford to repair the A/C,” Tara said, adding that it was challenging taking her mom to doctor’s appointments during the summer months. “It was the longest two years of my life. You don’t realize how important a working A/C is until it’s gone. My car’s A/C works better than ever now. I’m so grateful.”

The CAR Program is partnering with 240 trusted community organizations throughout the state to work within their communities and reach as many eligible applicants as possible. One outstanding partner is Gerardo Puluido and the incredible team at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, who have provided vital support to families in Riverside’s Casa Blanca neighborhood since 1970 and are now helping spread the word about the Cool Air Rebate Program. “The Cool Air Rebate Program has been everything they said they are—the program just keeps getting better,” said Puluido, praising the expanded 90% coverage and new income eligibility requirements.

Electronic Press Kit Assets Available:

Media can access b-roll video, photos, CAR Logos and other visual assets of the Cool Air Rebate program here.

About the Cool Air Rebate Program

The Cool Air Rebate Program offers financial assistance to low-income Californians to cover up to 90% of repair costs to remove leaking R-134a refrigerant – a greenhouse gas 1,400 times more harmful than CO₂ – from personal vehicles manufactured between 1993 and 2019. Funding for the Cool Air Rebate Program comes from unclaimed deposits on cans of R-134a sold in California, in coordination with the Car Care Council and the California Air Resources Board.

For more information on the Cool Air Rebate Program and to find a participating auto repair shop, visit www.coolairrebate.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250701885146/en/

"This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about equity and health. Low-income families are often the most impacted by extreme heat, and this program makes it possible for them to fix their car A/C and avoid the heat-related risks."