General Maintenance
Air Conditioning
“Stay Cool and Breathe Easy: The Ultimate Guide to Car Air Con Servicing!”
When you bring your car in to Roy Hubbard Motors for an air conditioning service, our skilled technicians will conduct a thorough inspection of the system to ensure its optimal performance.
This includes checking the lubricant level and replacing the old refrigerant gas with fresh gas up to the required level. Additionally, a vacuum test will be performed to identify any cracks or leaks that could potentially hinder your air conditioning system in the future.
But why should you bother with an ‘air con service’?
Well, let’s delve into it! Over time, you might notice that your air conditioning system doesn’t cool as effectively as it used to. This is a common occurrence because air cons need regular maintenance, which many of us tend to neglect.
Imagine if your car’s air conditioning suddenly stops working on one of those scorching hot days of the British summer. Nightmare, right? Luckily, most of the time, this issue can be easily resolved with an air-con re-gas.
The good news is that keeping your air-con in top shape isn’t expensive or difficult. So let’s take a minute to understand what air-con re-gassing entails and whether it’s a DIY job, as well as explore how to maintain your air conditioning system.
So, what exactly is ‘air-con re-gassing’?
It involves removing the old refrigerant gas from your system and replacing it with new refrigerant, restoring its cooling capability and making it blow cold air again.
If you notice that your air-con isn’t blowing as cold as it should, re-gassing is the first step. Our technicians at Roy Hubbard Motors can complete the procedure in about an hour. However, we strongly discourage attempting to re-gas your system yourself. Those DIY re-gas kits are often pricey, and mistakes can lead to hefty repair bills. Our specialists have the expertise to detect leaks and address other system problems, not to mention the safety considerations of handling refrigerant gas.
How can you tell when your air-con needs re-gassing?
The initial sign is if the air blown from the vents is warmer than before or there’s no difference when the AC is switched off. If you can’t remember the last time you had your air-con re-gassed, it’s worth getting it checked during a full service.
While manufacturers recommend servicing your air-con every two years, many people wait until it stops blowing cold air. However, a poorly functioning air-con system can make it harder to demist your windows in winter and strain your engine, leading to higher fuel consumption. So, we advise you not to postpone a system check.
Unfortunately, re-gassing is not included in a regular service. Keep an eye out for our special offers during winter or upcoming summer periods to save on your air conditioning refrigerant recharge.
If you neglect to re-gas your air-con, it will gradually lose efficiency, making your car uncomfortable during hot weather. So, stick to a schedule and have your air con checked every two years. After all, what’s the point of having a good air con if it’s not working properly?