Car Air Conditioning Service
Car Air Conditioning Service
The Air Conditioner is not always included in a standard log book service, so it can be easily neglected.
However in saying that;
A regular vehicle service always checks the obvious faults which are associated with Air Conditioning systems operating below expected demands, such as;
- The drive belt tension
- Blocked air flow through the Condenser and Radiator
- Visible signs of Refrigerant oil stains ar the compressor, hoses, pipes or fittings.
- Loose or faulty compressor mounting brackets
- Service port caps missing
Anything beyond this visual inspection then requires a full Air Conditioning Service.
The addition of refrigerant to an existing system charge to "top up" must not be carried out.
The Australian Automotive Code of Practice 2008:- www.arctick.org
Tips For Maintaining A Car Air Conditioner
It does help to prolong the life of your air conditioner by running it at least once a week during non-summer months to assist in keeping the compressor seals lubricated.
Remember your air conditioning system does not only cool your vehicle but in addition one of its primary functions is to remove the humidity from the cabin. So it is good practice to use your air conditioner in winter to keep your windscreen free of fog which impairs your visibility.
When driving on the open road it is always a good idea to have your car air conditioner set to "flow through" ventilation and not "recirculate". This is due to the fact that .5% by volume of CO2 is dangerous and mat cause drowsiness and headaches.
Research statistics from the Police Accident Investigation Branch indicate that a large percentage of vehicles involved Country Road Accidents have in fact had their Air Conditioners turned onto "Recirculate".
It is good practice to get a full air conditioning service at least every two years. Try and do this before the hotter months start, as this will ensure that you are not caught out by a sudden heat wave at the start of the season.
Maintaining A Healthy State For Your Car Air-Conditioning
A car air-conditioning system can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and fungus. This is particularly important for sufferers of asthma or allergies.
Your local Repco Authorised Car Service mechanic can provide you with information on special sanitizing treatments that can help to remove these contaminants.
These treatments are designed to protect you and your passengers and also help to remove the musty odour that can be evident from the air conditioner vents. For more information click here
For an informative video on cabin air filters and your health please click here.
What Is Included In A Car Air Con Service ?
It is now Law that everyone that works on Automotive Air Conditioning systems throughout all States and Territories of Australia must have a Refrigerant Handling Licence.
As a result a Licenced Automotive Air Conditioning Workshop must display their Trading Authorisation and Refrigerant Handling Licences at all times www.arctick.org.
Added to this, different cars may also have specific service requirements that are unique to the make of car or the particulat model.
Your local Repco Authorised Car Service mechanic will happily explain what is involved for your particular car.
Items that need to be checked to interpret operating functions and diagnosis prior to a car air conditioner service include:
- Air vent temperature check
- Condenser temperature check
- Suction line temperature reading
- Adjustment of drive belts and pulleys
- Check operation of valves and thermostats
- Leak test system lines and components with an electronic leak detector
- Inspection of hoses and components
- Cleaning condenser fins
- Deodorize and sanitize system
Service Procedures
- Recover refrigerant (weigh amount and record)
- Test Equipment
- Replace Schraeder valves
- Replace receiver drier filter
- Add required amount of refrigerant oil
- Evacuate system
- Perform leak detection procedure
- Charge system with recommended refrigerant type and capacity
- Start vehicle and performance test
Protecting The Environment
Refrigerant gas is extremely damaging to the ozone layer and any gas that is irresponsibly released into the atmosphere by repair shops, garages or backyard mechanics can harm the environment and contribute to global warming.
By law, all refrigerant gas must be recycled and Repco Authorised Service applauds the work and efforts of bodies such as Refrigerant Reclaim Australia and other industry bodies who help to ensure that refrigerant gas is recycled in its original form, or if contaminated, destroyed by special methods.
FIND A REPCO AUTHORISED AIR CONDITIOING SERVICE MECHANIC
The following Repco Authorised Service centres can provide expert car air-conditioning service or regas.
