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Welcome to the Air conditioning frequently asked questions section of our website.
For your convenience, just look below to view the questions which people ask us most:
Why do I need to have my A/C system serviced?
How often should the A/C system be serviced?
What are the symptoms of a poorly performing system?
What are the benefits of a well looked after system?
When is the best time to have the system serviced?
Is it true that my Air Conditioning should be run regularly throughout the year?
Why?
Why is looking after the compressor so critical?
What is involved in a service?
Why can't I service the system myself?
Why does my fridge at home not need servicing every twelve months?
Why put Ultra Violet (UV) dye in the system?
Why use Nitrogen for leak testing?
What should I do if I suspect my system is faulty?
My car was manufactured before 1993; can you still service the A/C system?
How long does the Standard Service take?
Do I have to remember when the system should be checked or serviced?
If I sell the car, how can I prove to a buyer that the A/C has been serviced?
There are two cars in my household. Is there a discount if I get both cars serviced together?
Why do I need to have my A/C system serviced?
All vehicle air conditioning systems leak to a lesser or greater degree. The losses occur when refrigerant escapes through the pipe joints as a result of vibration and ageing of rubber hoses and 'O' ring seals, as well as through the seal on the front of the compressor shaft.
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How often should the A/C system be serviced?
An annual check and bi-annual service should be sufficient to keep the A/C system operating correctly. Cool Auto can provide a comprehensive list of all checks carried out and produce a report on the condition of the system.
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What are the symptoms of a poorly performing system?
You may notice that the air from the vents is not as cold as it was. The A/C system should be able to produce a flow of air at almost freezing point. If not, then the system could be low on gas. Also, if the windows remain misted up in the winter even with the A/C switched on then a service will be required.
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What are the benefits of a well looked after system?
- Increased level of comfort by maintaining the perfect in-car temperature irrespective of utside temperature.
- Clean, fresh air even in the heaviest traffic.
- Air-borne pollen and dust removed from the cabin relieving hay fever and asthma sufferers.
- Prevents drowsiness and enhances driver awareness.
- Improved visibility, especially in winter by removing moisture allowing the heating system to rapidly clear misted windows.
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When is the best time to have the system serviced?
The A/C system can be serviced at any time of the year. Most problems arise when the air conditioning is switched on for the first time in the summer. If the air conditioning has not been regularly operated during the winter the gas escapes through dry seals and joints.
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Is it true that my Air Conditioning should be run regularly throughout the year?
Yes, this helps to keep the system well lubricated and sealed.
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Why?
The refrigerant not only cools the passenger cabin, it actually carries the oil that lubricates the system, and most importantly the compressor. It also keeps the seals and hoses moist, thus preventing them from drying out and cracking leading to leaks.
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Why is looking after the compressor so critical?
This is the main component in the A/C system, replacements typically cost £300 - £700, but can be as much as £1000, plus labour costs to remove and replace. A seized compressor will normally result in other components getting damaged and the A/C system will certainly need to be flushed to remove debris.
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What is involved in a service?
Cool Auto measure the static and operating pressures in the system, check quantity of refrigerant present and check all functions. Then we recover the refrigerant and vacuum the system down to a very low pressure to remove any moisture that might be present. Since most systems leak, a pressure test is carried out to confirm the integrity of the whole system. The system is re-charged with virgin refrigerant or the customers own recycled refrigerant and any lubricant that was recovered with the refrigerant is replaced.
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Why can't I service the system myself?
This is difficult not only because specialist equipment is needed but most importantly the refrigerant present in the system must be recovered. It is ILLEGAL to vent the refrigerant into the environment. The system is also under high pressure and needs pulling into a deep vacuum to remove any moisture. The refrigerants themselves have a very low boiling point and will cause freeze burns if they come into contact with skin or eye tissue.
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Why does my fridge at home not need servicing every twelve months?
A domestic fridge has no rubber pipes and no seal on the front of the compressor shaft; all piping is copper therefore there is no leaking through pipe walls.
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Why put Ultra Violet (UV) dye in the system?
The UV dye shows up under a bright UV light source. So any leaks present in the system can be easily identified either during fault finding or if future leaks were to develop.
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Why use Nitrogen for leak testing?
We use Oxygen Free Nitrogen (OFN) for leak testing. It would be illegal to re-gas a system to use the refrigerant as a means of leak detection. The pure form of Nitrogen is a naturally occurring gas in the air that we breathe and so is safe and legal to use. The Nitrogen is inserted into the system under high pressure thus simulating a system in operation and revealing any leaks in the system.
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What should I do if I suspect my system is faulty?
If you are in any doubt, call Cool Auto. DO NOT SWITCH ON THE AIR CONDITIONING. The oil carried in the system lubricates the moving parts of the compressor, which pumps the refrigerant around. If there is no oil the compressor could seize causing a costly repair. A recent industry survey showed the average repair bill following a compressor failure is £450.
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My car was manufactured before 1993; can you still service the A/C system?
Cars build before 1993, that have not been serviced, are most likely running an R12 system. R12 is a CFC based refrigerant that was eventually banned in 2000, and all new cars manufactured after 1993 use a new refrigerant called R134a. If your car runs on R12 there are two options for conversion:
- Retrofit to R134a . This involves replacing the major components of the system; compressor, filter/dryer, hoses & pipes as R134a and R12 are not compatible. This can be expensive.
- Retrofit to RS-24 . This involves replacing the refrigerant with a specially developed gas which only requires the system to be flushed and a new filter/dryer fitted. Much more cost effective.
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How long does the Standard Service take?
In most cases, where no major faults or leaks are present, the service can comfortably be carried out in less than 90 mins. This allows time for initial checking and pressure readings, de-gassing, OFN pressure testing, deep vacuum, re-gassing, confirmation of system integrity using electronic leak tester, and operating checks.
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Do I have to remember when the system should be checked or serviced?
No, as a valued customer, Cool Auto will contact you shortly before your next check-up or service is due.
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If I sell the car, how can I prove to a buyer that the A/C has been serviced?
When the service is complete, Cool Auto will provide a Service Certificate. This shows that your car has been inspected and/or repaired by a City & Guilds approved engineer with industry recognised training. Before trying out the air conditioning on your new car, have it checked out by Cool Auto for complete peace of mind.
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There are two cars in my household. Is there a discount if I get both cars serviced together?
Absolutely!! If both cars are serviced at the same location at the same time, Cool Auto will discount the regular prices by 20%. For 3 or more vehicles, or fleet enquiries please call.
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