Behr Hella Service recommends regular maintenance of the air-conditioning system at a garage
Schwäbisch Hall, March 2009. At a temperature of 27 degrees Celsius in the vehicle interior, the number of accidents in built-up areas increases by 11 percent, and at 32 degrees by about 22 percent. These were the findings of studies by the Gesamthochschule Wuppertal [Wuppertal Comprehensive University], on behalf of the Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen [Federal Highway Research Institute]. These figures show that having an air-conditioning system in the car is not a luxury but is safety-relevant and a good investment. Regular maintenance is important in ensuring that the system always offers full performance. High repair costs can also be avoided in this way. It can cost up to 1,000 euros if the air-conditioning compressor, the heart of the system, has to be replaced.
High temperatures in the vehicle are a stress factor, they reduce the physical and psychological performance of the driver. In addition, damp air leads to fogged windows and restricts visibility. However, dry air can lead to headaches or, due to irritation or drying-out of the mucous membranes of the eyes, can reduce the ability to see. An air-conditioning system, however, always provides a balanced temperature and appropriate air quality. Regular maintenance is also necessary because the evaporator and interior filter of the air-conditioning system offer the ideal breeding ground for dangerous and allergenic micro-organisms. Regular disinfection of the evaporator thus helps against unpleasant odours caused by bacteria, and prevents allergic reactions. The interior filter should be replaced during the maintenance, and at after 15,000 kilometres at the latest. Sucked in from the outside air, dust, pollen and soot, among other things, are also deposited. A clean interior filter reduces the spread of germs and simultaneously the safety risk of fogged windows, as well as possible damage to the fan motor. This is because, as in the case of the vacuum cleaner at home, a full bag not only reduces cleaning performance. Deposited dirt also increases the mechanical load on the fan motor and can lead to costly repairs.
To ensure long-term and perfect functioning of the air-conditioning system, the key components compressor, condenser, evaporator and expansion valve should be checked regularly by the garage in an annual air-conditioning check. Since the air-conditioning system works under permanent pressure, its components are exposed to a natural wearing process. Hoses and seals also age, dry out and can then become leaky. This leads to evaporation of the refrigerant and reduced cooling performance.
In addition, it is advisable to have an air-conditioning service carried out every two years. Here, among other things, the refrigerant is changed and, if necessary, topped-up, tightness is checked and the filter-dryer is replaced.
A wide range of spare parts and special equipment including measurement and test instrument for all aspects of professional air-conditioning servicing allow garages to repair damage quickly and easily.
A well-maintained air-conditioning system is therefore an investment in safety and prevents unnecessary costs.
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