Air conditioning maintenance

[campbell]

even my own ignorant reading at Halfords revealed that, in fact...so I was steering away from DIY topup for sure...but interesting to note the Kwik Fit "solution" may be the same item

I see there are a number of independent vehicle aircon specialists on yell.com so I may consult one or more of them once I've got the actual computer diagnostics bit done

[MacK]

Air Con maintenance:

Use it!

The air-con in cars (and vehicles generally) needs to be used, at least for 10-15 mins once a week*, even in mid-winter. This circulates the refrigerant gas and oil (they mix in the compressor and circulate together) the oil then 'lubricates' the seals at all the joints in the pipes, if the system is not used the seals dry out and the refrigerant gas escapes, then the air-con doesn't work.
A leak test may not show up a dried seal. (Test pressures in car systems are not very high, and the time under pressure usually not very long, (well customers would complain at the 'technician' standing about doing nothing for an hour) ) Then new gas will be added, which will leak out over the next few days/weeks, leaving you without working air-con again.

Of course it may not be a dry seal there could be a hole in the condenser (radiator at the front of the engine cooling radiator) or a leaking pipe caused by chaffing against a part of the car, another pipe, or in a bracket etc.


* Time-frame for frequency of use may vary depending on each manufacturers recommendations, check your vehicle handbook for your manufacturers recommendation.

[campbell]

Thanks sir, was wondering if you would offer some of your particular expertise at some point

We do use the aircon regularly even when "not needed" to do just that, keep it active etc, as per handbook guidance. Valuable reminder all the same.

What I think we are going to do is wait until our trusted local garage are back from hols (Monday) and get them to diagnose at sensible hourly rate. Or I may get the chance to play with Fd's VAG diagnostics tools. And we'll take it from there. Certainly won't just chuck some new gas in having read all the advice here!


Campbell

[mac]

I need to get the mondeo sorted before next Wednesday - going down the "chuck gas at it" route

[mac]

Well,

Just back from the local Budget tyres and exhaust place.

Car was hooked up, all the old stuff pumped out, anitbac stuff pumped in swirled about and then pumped back out, system vaccum tested for leaks for 5mins and one that was past new refridgerant gas installed.

One frosty mondeo and one happy customer - cost £25 (normally £45)




Mac

[campbell]

Well,

Just back from the local Budget tyres and exhaust place.

Car was hooked up, all the old stuff pumped out, anitbac stuff pumped in swirled about and then pumped back out, system vaccum tested for leaks for 5mins and one that was past new refridgerant gas installed.

One frosty mondeo and one happy customer - cost £25 (normally £45)




Mac

interesting...how so cheap then, got an offer on or summat?

[mac]

the manager in the place said that he was fed up having to point out the small print to folk that he just does it for £25. Their deal is spend more than £50 on stuff and get it for £25.


Mac

[campbell]

the manager in the place said that he was fed up having to point out the small print to folk that he just does it for £25. Their deal is spend more than £50 on stuff and get it for £25.


Mac

LOL!

Wonder if the Falkirk or Livi branches take that view too...for £25 it even undercuts the diagnosis-only price from Inch VW in Bathgate

[mac]

They do advertise a De-Bug for £19.99 I think - pretty sure that's what I read when I was in there.

And they have a 10c decrease in cabin temps or your money back too!



Mac