Is it time to service your car's Air Conditioning (AC)?

 
Is it time to service your car's Air Conditioning (AC)?9 Nov 2023

With summer fast approaching, it's essential to prepare your car for a comfortable and hassle-free Christmas break, especially if you plan to hit the road. While you might have a service in mind for your car, have you considered your car's AC?
Your cars AC systems operates in a manner similar to household fridges, using pressure to transform liquid into a refreshing gas, which is then circulated by the fan to cool your car. During the peak of summer, the interior of your car can become scorching, often exceeding 60 degrees. To speed up the cooling process, it's advisable to open all the windows for a few minutes when you first get into your car to release the heat. Once the inside of the car’s temperature is more comfortable, closing the windows and switching to recirculation mode for the AC is the most effective way to maintain cool air.

It's recommended to service your car's air conditioning system at least once every two years since the system can experience a yearly loss of 10% to 15% of refrigerant. Here at SD European our specialist electronic diagnostic equipment for Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Skoda, and Volkswagen's is able to connect with the modern vehicle’s climate control system to find faults efficiently. We can then discharge, re-gas, lubricate, and repair your vehicle's air conditioning system with our specialist air con equipment.

Here are some common signs that you may have AC issues to address:

Insufficient Air Circulation - If you notice that the air coming from your car's vents is weak or almost non-existent it could be a malfunction with the blower motor or clogged air filters.
Inconsistent Cooling – This can result from a range of things such as refrigerant leaks or a malfunctioning compressor.
Unpleasant Odours - Musty or bad odours can be eliminated by cleaning or replacing the air/pollen filters to prevent mould or bacteria growth.
Unexpected Noises - Screeching, rattling, or hissing noises may indicate worn-out belts, loose parts, or compressor problems.
Puddle of Water - Seeing a puddle of water under your car after using the AC is normal. The condensation created by the cooling process drains outside the vehicle. If there's no puddle, it's essential to inspect the drainage system.
Regular Maintenance - Cleaning or replacing pollen filters is crucial to maintain air quality. If your AC loses cooling efficiency over time, consider an AC re-gas or a system check today.

Keep in mind that addressing AC issues will help ensure a cool and enjoyable journey during the summer months.

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