Air Conditioning

It is important to check and top up the refrigerant levels and to cleanse the air circulation system to maintain the best cold air output possible also eliminating bad odours or harmful bacteria.

What are the benefits of good Air Conditioning?

• The ability to reduce the in-car temperature level on a hot summers day, without having your windows down and avoiding the loud noise of wind.
• Air-con conditions the air, so on a really muggy day it can remove the moisture coming into the car.
• Using your aircon to remove moisture on the windscreen very quickly
• Clean, fresh air that has a low relative humidity will enhance driver awareness and prevent any drowsiness that may occur within the driver making a journey safer.

There are a number of common faults within a vehicle’s Air Conditioning or Climate Control system. These Include:-

The Natural loss of gas:

This is usually caused by the lack of use during cold periods or the system not being serviced
regularly. By running the air conditioning during the winter months this will help with the de-
misting process and also keep the seals moist.

Loss of gas due to leakage:

Pipe work and hoses can become loose causing fractures. Hoses can rub together causing holes
and pipe work and condensers can corrode with the gritting salts used during winter. Stone chips
to the condenser can also cause leaks to start.

Common Electrical faults:

Problems with pressure switches, fuses, relays and cables can cause systems to stop running.

With your air conditioning system functioning properly you will have a safer more comfortable
driving experience. The air conditioning system in your vehicle is not a fit and forget item and
like the engine will require regular servicing to keep it in full working order.

Using your air conditioning in the colder months it will help to prevent the front screen misting
up as de-humidified air is passed over it. Air conditioning should be run for at least 10 minutes
a week to enable oil to reach all seals to prevent them from drying and shrinking and also to
lubricate the moving parts of the compressor to avoid costly replacements and repairs.

Is there a strange smell from your air conditioning?

As your car air conditioning system ages, you may notice the freshness of the air provided
deteriorating. When your air conditioning is operating, moisture in the air condenses on the
system’s cold surfaces, most of this moisture drains harmlessly away, but some remains within
the ventilation system after your A/C has been turned off. This residual moisture provides the
ideal living environment for naturally occurring airborne fungal micro-organisms, mildew and
mould. Once trapped within the ventilation system, these colonies can combine to produce
unpleasant odours and potential flu-like symptoms.

Having your air conditioning serviced and recharged will remove these odours and prevent the
development of any ill effects within the vehicle’s occupants.