Maintaining condition

Just before the air conditioning in your car goes steps back into ‘high season’ as the warm weather starts, it should be thoroughly checked as part of the spring service. A service interval of two years is recommended. Why? Because a comprehensive check of the system not only ensures that drivers can always keep a cool and clear head when it’s hot and the pollens are abuzz outside, thanks to pleasant temperatures and air that has been cleansed of dust and pollen inside the vehicle. Ideally, the evaporator and ventilation system should also be disinfected to prevent the possible formation of odours and mould.

However, it is particularly important to check hoses and seals, which can dry out and become brittle or porous. What many people don’t know is that an air conditioning system loses an average of around 10% of the refrigerant used through diffusion – per year! Apart from the fact that leaking coolant is harmful to the environment, the coolant in the air conditioning system also transports oil, which lubricates the compressor and seals. If there is not enough coolant in the circuit, components of the air conditioning system can potentially be damaged. A regular full check also extends the service life of the entire system, as all components are always well lubricated.

AIC now has 101 air conditioning lines for 4,847 vehicle applications in its range.