WHY RECHARGE YOUR CAR AIR CON?
There are plenty of reasons to book an air conditioning service beyond just keeping you and your passengers cool on warm days. In fact, a regular recharge can help with fuel efficiency, prevent costly repairs, and even improve your health. Here’s everything you need to know about why a car air conditioning service is well worth it.
Improve Fuel Efficiency with an Air Conditioning Service
If you’re looking to get the most out of every tank, here’s some good news: keeping your air conditioning service up-to-date can actually help improve your fuel efficiency. How? When your refrigerant levels are low, the system has to work harder to cool the air. This extra work means it’s pulling more power from the engine and using up more fuel. A proper service ensures the refrigerant is topped up, so your system doesn’t have to struggle, saving you fuel – and money – every time you drive.
Save on Costly Repairs
A lot of people don’t realise that an air conditioning service is a simple way to prevent some pricey repairs. The refrigerant in your air-con system doesn’t just cool the air; it also helps to keep the compressor at a lower temperature. When refrigerant levels dip too low, the compressor has to work extra hard, eventually overheating and sometimes even failing altogether. Repairing or replacing a compressor can be costly, so it’s best to avoid it by booking regular air con service for your car.
Eliminate Unpleasant Odors and Bacteria Build-Up
Ever noticed an odd smell when you turn on the air conditioning? If the air coming out of your vents is starting to smell stale or musty, it could be due to bacteria build-up in the system. This usually happens because condensation inside the pipework, combined with heat from the engine, creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Not only is this unpleasant to smell, but it can also affect your health, causing sore throats, sneezing, and irritated eyes. Luckily, most air conditioning service packages include an antibacterial treatment to remove bacteria and freshen up the air in your car.
Air Con Isn’t Just for Summer
Believe it or not, your car’s air conditioning service can be just as helpful on chilly, winter days as it is in summer. Struggling to clear a foggy windscreen? Turn on your air conditioning, which produces dry, warm air, helping to clear the screen much faster than waiting for the heater alone.
Running your air-con every now and then during the colder months also helps keep seals from drying out, reducing the chance of refrigerant leaks and keeping the system efficient. By maintaining your air conditioning service year-round, you’ll ensure it’s ready to go as soon as summer rolls around again.
Which Refrigerant Does Your Car Need?
Not all cars use the same refrigerant in their air conditioning systems. Typically, vehicles built up to 2015 require R134a refrigerant, while those made after 2015 will need R1234yf. Using the correct refrigerant is essential for efficient performance, so check your car’s manual or consult your technician before booking an air conditioning service to make sure you’re getting the right one. It’s also worth noting that the costs for each refrigerant type can vary, depending on your vehicle’s requirements.
How Much Does an Air Conditioning Service Cost?
Now, let’s talk about the costs of a car air conditioning service. For vehicles using the R134a refrigerant, you can expect the service to start at around £95 plus VAT. For cars that require the newer R1234yf refrigerant, air conditioning service prices begin at £140 plus VAT. If you need an antibacterial treatment included with your service, there may be a small additional cost (around £5), but it’s worth it for the cleaner, fresher air.
Don’t Wait – Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Whether you’re heading out on a summer road trip or just want to make sure your air conditioning is ready for the next heatwave, a car air conditioning service is essential. Even during winter, a regular air conditioning service can help keep your system working efficiently, ensuring you’re comfortable all year long.
Give us a call, and our team at the Prestige Cars Kent will be happy to answer any questions or get you booked in for a quick and easy service. It’s all about keeping your car comfortable, efficient, and ready to go, no matter what the weather. So why wait? Speak to a member of the team today to book an air conditioning regas for your car.