Year on year the highest temperatures of summer increase and this can be frustrating for motorists who haven’t had their air conditioning properly maintained. Fortunately, ‘recharging’, ‘refilling’ or ‘regassing’ your auto’s air con is simple for a qualified mechanic to perform and is well worth it for summer and winter driving. Let’s take a look at why your air con is probably due for a tune up.
Why Air Con Stops Working
Air conditioning uses refrigerant, otherwise known as ‘gas’, to cool your car effectively. When in use, the gas shifts in state from gas to liquid and back to gas again, and it’s this change in state that allows some of the gas to escape the system. It’s estimated that 10% of the refrigerant is lost this way each year.
After just two years there will be a noticeable difference in the time it takes to cool the interior of your car. So, it’s a good idea to ask for a refrigerant top up as part of your car’s annual service.
Poorer Fuel Economy
With an insufficient level of refrigerant, your car’s engine will have to work harder to provide the energy required to cool the car. As a result the engine will burn more fuel and in the worst cases, the air con will only blow hot air. The best solution is a gas recharge which is far more economical than paying out for consistently high fuel bills.
Not Covered by MOT
Your car may have been for its annual MOT and service but that does not mean your refrigerant levels are topped up. Unfortunately, the MOT test does not currently require air con systems to be recharged and car servicing does not include it either. However, a service centre will be happy to recharge your air conditioning at the time of your MOT or service, so make sure to ask when you book.
Recharging Air Conditioning
Having your air conditioning recharged by a qualified technician will take approximately 45 minutes and, once completed, your system will be working like new. These are the steps taken to ensure your air conditioning is giving optimum performance.
Remove the remaining refrigerant from the system along with impurities and traces of moisture.
Attach an air conditioning service machine to the system with one hose on the high pressure port and another on the low pressure port.
– A pressure test is performed to check that there are no leaks in the system.
– The system is then topped up with refrigerant.
– Whatever the issue is with your air conditioning, a service and recharge is guaranteed to get you back on the road in time for a hot summer.
At Universal Tyres, we have over 90 years’ experience as the top tyre and automotive centre in Southern England. If you are worried about the performance of your air conditioning during this warm summer, simply contact our friendly team today to book your car in for a thorough air conditioning test and recharge. We’re equally happy to discuss any of our services including brakes, exhausts, MOT testing and tyre fitting. Don’t hesitate to get in touch.