Car Air Conditioning Maintenance by AP Autocare Bristol
Air conditioning systems are a vital part of car convenience and comfort, especially in the Summer season. When they are fully operational, they blow wonderfully refreshing cold air which can reduce the need to open windows in the car. Interestingly opening windows causes drag which can increase fuel consumption. It can be extremely inconvenient when air conditioning systems go wrong or develop a fault or they need to be repaired so what are the ways that you can tell when your air conditioning system is malfunctioning and when is the time to realise that it is not working properly and therefore requires servicing by Bristol’s AP Autocare?
Common Car Air Conditioning Faults
Air conditioning systems have to be serviced by trained professionals. Our professional and fully qualified technicians are trained and registered to handle refrigerants so that when your car air conditioning system does go wrong, you can have the issue fixed extremely quickly. But what are the most common problems that can happen to air conditioning within cars and which of these are the most vital in terms of needing to be repaired? One of the most common issues that one can face is strange odours coming from the air conditioning unit. This is caused by a build-up of bacteria behind the panel of the unit. As these bacterial colonies continue to multiply they start to produce spores which are blown out by the unit. If this has been going on for some time then it is important to bring your vehicle in to have the air conditioning serviced because these spores that are released have also been linked to an illness nicknamed “sick car syndrome”. Here at Ap Autocare in Bristol, we have the latest equipment to allow us to create an ozone system in the vehicle to eliminate odour producing bacteria and leave your cars air conditioning smelling fragrant and fresh.
If you hear noises within your car air conditioning unit that are unusual or strange then it is recommended that you get it serviced by our specialists immediately. Some noises could be early signs of failure of the compressor or pump which is the most expensive part of the system costing on average from £200 to in excess of over £600. If the bearings of the compressor break down or if the compressor seizes up it can also cause metal contamination to other parts of the system, costing a hefty amount of pounds worth of damage. It is highly recommended to have the system checked immediately if there are any strange noises coming from the unit. If there are pools of water forming within the car especially under the passenger seat, however, do not fear. This is a common misconception of a failing system and it is in fact how the system is designed. The water formed is caused by water dripping from the evaporator to reduce condensation within the system itself.
Prevention of Car Air Conditioning Faults
What are the ways to prevent problems from occurring? The main course of action to take is to always regularly service the air conditioning system, regardless of if it seems fine. The recommended time for regular servicing is usually set by manufacturers at least every 18 months but every 12 months is highly recommended. The compressor needs oil, or else it will seize up. The filter collects waste and can become blocked potentially resulting in total failure. Refrigerant gas ideally needs to be recharged completely within four years from the manufacture date and every two to three years after this. Due to these facts it is extremely important to have the system regularly serviced as it is often better to be safe than sorry. It is also vital to run your air conditioning even in the winter months. The refrigerant holds oil that lubricates the system therefore running the system is vital in keeping the system well oiled. It also keeps the seals moist, reducing the risk of leaking due to cracking.
Car Air Conditioning Specialists in Bristol
AP Autocare is Air Conditioning specialists in the Bristol area. If your car is in need of air conditioning servicing or repairs then look no further. Our professional fully qualified technicians are trained and registered to handle refrigerants and can get your vehicle back on the road promptly. Our technicians will check the efficiency of your air conditioning system and determine if a repair or recharge is required. Blowing Hot Air? Do not worry, our team of technicians will check to see what parts have failed. We will report on pipes, hoses, condensers, compressors and drive belt systems. It is extremely important to keep on top of your air conditioning servicing especially as summer is now on the way. If you have concerns about your air conditioning system or if you are in need of that check-up then do not hesitate to book an appointment online or telephone us on 0117 963 8916 or book online here