Glossary / General

high side

13 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

The 'high side' is where the air conditioning refrigerant is really pressurized. It's important for making the system cool the air inside your car.

Technical Definition

In automotive air conditioning systems, the 'high side' refers to the part of the system where the refrigerant is under high pressure after being compressed. This pressure is crucial for the cooling process.

Hear It Discussed

"where you would either come out of it with a tank slapper or a high side. So for those who don't know what those are, a high side is where the rear wheel slides out, then suddenly grips the bike..."
Widowmakers #323 The Intercooler 54:16

"you're probably reaching 200 and 220 pounds of pressure on the high side, 35 pounds or so on the low. You shut it off."
People Calling Us To Find Out What's Wrong With Their Cars Under The Hood show 10:50

"And sure enough I was right. The high side was lower than expected, and they ended up having to add three point six ounces of refrigerant to it..."
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - May 30, 2026 - Hour 2 Ron Ananian The Car Doctor 12:05