Car Air Con - How often should you really get it serviced?

Mr_Warren_2

Had a top of the range Renault Espace 2.2 T RTX etc. etc. with of course an Air Con system. Never used it other than when driving in hot weather...the darn thing stopped working all right and apparently got all stuck because i had rarely used it....so now it's on all the time in my Saab convertible.

Apples2

Volcano wrote: »

I'm not sure what's the difference between these?

I'm sure there are more technical descrfiptions but in essence an Air conditioner conditions the air which is most suited to human body. It controls the humidity AND temperature.

An air cooler just draws warm air in, blows it out cooler but it's full of moisture and feels 'orrid.

harveybobbles

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

Thats a valid point, but I don't think they would balance out;) Air con, plus the weight of the installation is an undesirable in my book;);)

The Aircon pump and associated pipes probably weigh less than a FULL sunroof mechanism and glass. More work will be involved in cutting a whole in the roof, headlining etc.

jeannieblue

You can't 'top up' air con gas. You take out remaining and recharge.

If it is working fine and the pollen filter is changed when it should be - then there no need for the so called service. Its a rip off.

As others have said, use it all year round - about 5-10 mins a week would keep it all running nicely.

Just wish I could remember to do that......... and I really should know better..

cyclonebri1

harveybobbles wrote: »

The Aircon pump and associated pipes probably weigh less than a FULL sunroof mechanism and glass. More work will be involved in cutting a whole in the roof, headlining etc.

Having been in a smash where I burst the sunroof with my head, :eek:(not pleasant to say the least),:eek: I have an inherrant dislike of those too.

My present car has air con and no sunroof. The air con hasn't been used since 1 bought it 2 years ago.

mluton

I get mine regassed every 2 years, but I dont have the system serviced.

Just as described in the service manual.

Air Con should be used for 5-10 minutes per week to maintain pressure and stop bacteria build up IIRC.

Idiophreak

My aircon's starting to be pretty weak tbh, both in terms of temperature - it's gets cool after a while, but nowhere near as frosty as it did a couple of years ago - and in terms of movement of air.

How much do these services typically cost and will they ever actually get the thing working like it used to?

mluton

Idiophreak wrote: »

My aircon's starting to be pretty weak tbh, both in terms of temperature - it's gets cool after a while, but nowhere near as frosty as it did a couple of years ago - and in terms of movement of air.

How much do these services typically cost and will they ever actually get the thing working like it used to?

I pay £90, but it comes with an bacteria flush, reason being so much more expensive.

Your local kwik fit IIRC do it for £40, but that is just a regass and leak test.

You will be amazed at the difference, as long as you havent got any leaks in the pipework.

Idiophreak

mluton wrote: »

I pay £90, but it comes with an bacteria flush, reason being so much more expensive.

Your local kwik fit IIRC do it for £40, but that is just a regass and leak test.

You will be amazed at the difference, as long as you havent got any leaks in the pipework.

Thanks for that - I may well look into having it done at that kinda money - would be nice to be cold again in the summer

Rikki

Idiophreak wrote: »

My aircon's starting to be pretty weak tbh, both in terms of temperature - it's gets cool after a while, but nowhere near as frosty as it did a couple of years ago - and in terms of movement of air.

How much do these services typically cost and will they ever actually get the thing working like it used to?

I'm interested in the answer to this too as OH car is going to the garage pm for the air-conditioning to be looked at as its not getting cold.

I also wondered if the could have damaged it or emptied the unit when they replaced the alternator. (It was a major job according to them)