Regular, low-cost Air Conditioning Servicing saves money
Call us now on 08000 939 299 to book your aircon work
As one of the leading Air Conditioning Centres in Chester we can advise you on all aspects of this important sytem in your car.
More than 90% of new cars sold this year had air conditioning systems fitted as standard. If you are the owner of such a vehicle you will appreciate the value of air conditioning. The system cools the passenger cabin during warm weather and assists the demister in winter by removing excess moisture in damp conditions.
Whilst the modern automotive A/C system is both efficient and reliable, it is a mainly mechanical system which requires periodical servicing and maintenance in order to maintain its performance. Almost without exception, vehicle manufacturers now recommend an annual service to maintain the efficiency of the system and ensure the reliable running of the vehicle.
A/C systems are still relatively new to the UK. Most car owners, and indeed, many other service centres, do not appreciate that if an A/C system is not correctly maintained by suitably trained and equipped technicians on a regular basis, there is a risk of system damage or even a complete vehicle breakdown. This is possible because most A/C equipped vehicles use a common drive belt to power the A/C compressor. If an A/C compressor seizes due to lack of maintenance, the subsequent drive belt failure will stop the vehicle.
Important safety warning:
Please note that all A/C systems contain potentially harmful CFC or HFC gases under very high pressures. Exposure to the refrigerant can cause cold burns and blindness. Additionally, deliberate release of refrigerant is a criminal offence with penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment with an unlimited fine.
The only safe way to maintain your system is through an annual service by a trained and qualified A/C technician using specialised equipment. Whatever you do, don’t attempt to service or maintain your own A/C system.
Our workshops are fully equipped with the very latest state of the art A/C servicing equipment and our technicians have undergone extensive specialised training. You can rest assured that we offer an efficient, economical and environmentally safe service of your A/C system.
Q: How often should a vehicle conditioning system be serviced?
A: Annually. As part of a vehicle's annual service routine, its air conditioning system should be inspected. This annual check should include a check of refrigerant quantity, pressure and temperature, checking refrigerant hoses, drive belts and wiring harnesses and changing pollen filters. Please note that this is at additional cost to the vehicle’s ‘annual’ service.
We strongly recommend that a full service is carried out every two years; in addition to the above items the filter/dryer is changed.
Our A/C Service checklist:
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Identify system contents with refrigerant analyser
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Recover all refrigerant from the system
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Remove and replace the filter unit
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Check condition of the condenser unit
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Check condition of all hoses and wiring harnesses.
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Check compressor oil level
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Pressure test the system with dry Nitrogen
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Vacuum system for a minimum of 30 minutes
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Recharge with R134A refrigerant and oil
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Leak test all components
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Carry out pressure and temperature test.
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Update service records.
Q: What happens if a system is not regularly serviced?
A: If an aircon system is not serviced, a build-up of moisture will occur. The built-in filter (receiver-drier or accumulator), is designed to store any moisture and contamination present in the system. If the filter is not changed then its element will eventually break down and cause internal damage to the air conditioning system.
Q: Why can I smell a ‘musty’ smell inside the car when I turn on the aircon?
A: This is due to the build-up of mould and microbes on the evaporator. It can be cured with a microbiological treatment of the evaporator unit during the annual health check.
Q: Is there anything I can do to keep the aircon working?
A: On a modern vehicle, the best advice is to run the aircon continuously. Modern systems are efficient and will not add greatly to the fuel consumption. Continuous running ensures that the refrigerant and oil are circulated throughout the system, keeping the seals lubricated and preventing microbe build-up on the evaporator.
Prices:
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Full Service including Filter Change from £99+VAT
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Our Re-Gas service includes Free Oil and UV Dye Injection and tamper-proof system seals.
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Air conditioning re-gas from £75.00 + VAT
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Air con leak testing & diagnostics with re-gas from £95.00 + VAT
- Air con service with major service from £65.00 + VAT