Check your aircon regularly and avoid getting hot under the collar | Advice - Car News Jul 2015

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16:06 Wednesday 08 Jul 2015

Last week’s heatwave temperatures bought with them an increased strain on the nation’s in-car air-conditioning systems, with one leading automotive repair company reporting a threefold increase in the number of air-con recharges it carried out.

Kwik Fit recharged three times as many air conditioning systems last week than it did during the same week in 2014, and research by the company found that with the average UK motorist choosing to set their car’s aircon at just under 19°C, and with temperatures last week reaching almost 37°C in some parts of the country, their systems were expected to reduce the internal temperature by a massive 18°C.

The huge spike in the amount of aircon recharges makes it clear many drivers were discovering that their systems were struggling to cope with the situation, with Kwik Fit suggesting vehicle owners could do more to keep their aircon in peak condition and be fully prepared for future hot weather. Their handy tips include using the aircon system regularly, as turning it on for at least ten minutes a week will help keep the system lubricated and stop seals from drying out. Even in winter, using the system will maintain its effectiveness, and in any case it will help clear fogged windscreens. Leaving windows slightly open when parked on very hot days will reduce the temperature build up in the car and lower the burden placed on the aircon when it is switched on. Lastly, around 10 to 15 per cent of an aircon’s gas will leak out over the course of a year, so it will eventually require servicing and recharging. Manufacturers recommend doing this every two years.

Kwik Fit’s Roger Griggs say, “Air con systems can make driving a lot more comfortable – particularly with the weather we’ve been having. It’s important not to neglect air con maintenance - these don’t get automatically covered by a car’s annual service, so it can be easy to forget. Regular use and servicing will help avoid the risk of expensive repair bills.


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