The Cool Air Rebate (CAR) Program, a statewide initiative aimed at supporting low-income Californians with vehicle air conditioning repairs, announced a series of updates effective July 1 that increase both financial assistance and program access.
The CAR Program will now cover up to 90% of eligible repair costs to remove leaking R-134a refrigerant, a potent greenhouse gas that is 1,400 times more damaging than carbon dioxide. This marks a 10% increase from the program’s previous subsidy limit. Additionally, income eligibility has been expanded from 200% to 225% of the federal poverty level, enabling more Californians to qualify for support.
As part of a limited-time initiative, the program is also offering free diagnostic testing at participating repair shops statewide through July 31. These changes are aimed at improving both public health and environmental outcomes.
“The critical updates to the Cool Air Rebate Program…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.”
Since launching as a pilot program in Fresno in July 2024, the CAR Program has provided nearly $1.2 million in subsidies to repair 1,067 vehicles across more than 110 California cities. The funding is sourced from unclaimed deposits on R-134a refrigerant cans, under the authorization of the California Air Resources Board.
The program also aims to reduce emissions of R-134a refrigerant, which contributes significantly to ozone pollution. According to the American Lung Association’s 2025 State of the Air report, several California cities — such as Los Angeles, Bakersfield and Fresno — are among the nation’s worst for ozone pollution, which has been linked to asthma, respiratory illness and agricultural damage.
CSAI Auto Service in Riverside, one of 225 certified CAR Program partners, hosted the announcement event. Shop owner Patricia Summers emphasized the importance of the program for her community. “Being part of the Cool Air Rebate Program means we can say ‘yes’ to more people,” said Summers. “We’re proud to offer this service to our community.”
Rancho Cucamonga resident Tara S. shared that the program helped her fix her car’s A/C after two years without it, which had made caregiving for her elderly mother with Alzheimer’s increasingly difficult. “You don’t realize how important a working A/C is until it’s gone,” she said. “My car’s A/C works better than ever now. I’m so grateful.”
To help spread awareness, the CAR Program is partnering with 240 community organizations, including Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service in Riverside. “The program just keeps getting better,” said community leader Gerardo Puluido.
More information about the Cool Air Rebate Program, including eligibility guidelines and participating shops, is available at www.coolairrebate.org.
