Move safely through the traffic with a clear head!
In order to navigate your way through traffic safely and with a clear head, it is important to have a well-maintained air conditioning system. After an air conditioning check, you can be sure that all the components in your air conditioning system work properly—guaranteeing a pleasant atmosphere and comfortable drive in your vehicle. A clear head means good concentration—and a safe journey!
„ An air conditioning check can save you money, keeps you safe, and is better for your health. „
Regularly maintaining your air conditioning system may eliminate the need for expensive repair work. Set aside a little time to care for your air conditioning and have it checked and serviced regularly. This may not only save you money, but also contribute to your safety!
That’s why you need air conditioning maintenance!
- Up to 10 percent loss of refrigerant annually
- Oil supply to the air conditioning compressor at risk
- Moisture in the system may lead to expensive repairs
Every year, up to 10 percent of the refrigerant may be lost from the air conditioning system. This can noticeably impair cooling performance after just three years. Too little refrigerant in the air conditioning system can lead to total failure of the air conditioning compressor.
Design of an air conditioning system
Automotive air conditioning systems work like domestic fridges. In both cases, a compressor pumps refrigerant through a closed system. This extracts heat from the cabin (or fridge) and conducts it outwards.
However, while a fridge has an electrically driven compressor, an automotive air conditioning system is driven mechanically via a V-belt or ribbed belt (except in electric and hybrid vehicles). The individual components in a fridge’s cooling system are close together and usually linked by means of copper pipes with only a few connecting elements with the potential to become loose.
The lines in a vehicle are much longer, and flexible hose lines are used for design reasons. There are many more connecting elements. Very little refrigerant is lost from fridges because they remain in one place, the operating conditions (ambient temperature, air humidity, on and off phases) rarely change, and metal piping is used. Owing to the pipe material and the few connecting elements, very little moisture penetrates into the system.
That is why it is maintenance-free—unlike an automotive air conditioning system.
Detailed insights into how automotive air conditioning and engine cooling work in passenger cars and commercial vehicles can be found in our TechTool:
The perfect climate—even for electric and hybrid vehicles!
For electric and hybrid vehicles, regular maintenance of the air conditioning system plays an even more important role. In addition to cooling the cabin, the air conditioning system often also helps to cool the powertrain battery. In order to function optimally, the powertrain battery must be operated within a specific temperature spectrum. A properly functioning air conditioning system thus has a positive impact on the cruising range of the vehicle and on the service life of the temperature-sensitive battery.
What role do air conditioning systems play in safety?
- Heat is tiring.
- Concentration levels fall.
- Reaction time increases.
- The risk of having an accident increases.
Scientific studies have shown that our ability to concentrate decreases as temperatures rise, and we tire more quickly. At the same time, our reaction time increases. This significantly increases our risk of having an accident. Vehicle air conditioning systems cool the cabin to a pleasant temperature while dehumidifying the air. This means that the driver’s ability to react and concentrate is maintained over a longer period of time."
Disinfect the evaporator!
- Bacteria, fungi, and other micro-organisms that settle on the evaporator can cause musty odors and allergic reactions.
The evaporator is located below the dashboard and is integrated into the ventilation system. Condensation builds up in the inaccessible, dark, and dank environment between the fins of the evaporator—a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Therefore, it is advisable to disinfect the evaporator when doing air conditioning maintenance!
Regular disinfection of the evaporator kills off any micro-organisms that may be present. If carried out properly and professionally, disinfection is harmless to human health.
Change the cabin filter!
- Because the flow of air through the cabin filter decreases over time, it needs to be replaced regularly. This is also prescribed by vehicle manufacturers.
- A clogged cabin filter can destroy the blower motor.
- Fogged windows can often be attributed to a clogged filter.
- Unpleasant odors can also originate in the cabin filter.
The cabin filter filters dust, pollen, and dirt particles out of the air before they can reach you in the cabin. The air conditioning check therefore always includes the regular replacement of the cabin filter, improving the quality of the air and increasing safety!
Good to know!
In comparison with conventional cabin filters, MAHLE’s CareMetix® cabin filters ensure that no intensive odors, mold, bacteria, or allergens enter the vehicle interior.
More info at:www.caremetix.mahle.com
Noticeably clean air! Our high-performance cabin filters.
Replace the filter-drier, where necessary!
The filter-drier removes dirt particles from the refrigerant and absorbs moisture. However, the capacity of the filter-drier is limited. Precautionary replacement of the filter-drier/accumulator is thus recommended in older vehicles and/or vehicles with high mileage in order to make sure that the air conditioning system works reliably.
Healthy climate. Here’s how to get it right!
1. Air conditioning check (once a year or every 15,000 km)
- Replacement of the cabin filter
- Visual inspection of all components
- Function and performance test
- Disinfection of evaporator, where necessary
2. Air conditioning service (every two years)
- Perform all services included in the air conditioning check (see above)
- Replace the filter-drier, where necessary
- Change the refrigerant
- Check leaktightness
- Disinfect the evaporator, where necessary
A/C check flyer
Our flyer about air conditioning checks informs you about air conditioning maintenance, what you need to know about it, and what happens if air conditioning isn’t checked regularly—all the right answers to important questions!
Download [PDF; 255 KB]
A/C check poster
In this poster, our mascot Ole gives a friendly reminder about the need to have the air conditioning system checked and the related benefits in terms of health, safety, and financial savings.
Download [PDF; 1001 KB]
A/C check service booklet
Since the A/C check isn’t generally recorded in a conventional car service manual, we offer our A/C service booklet for this purpose. It contains helpful tips for using the air conditioning system and explanations of the A/C maintenance process.
Additionally, workshops can use it to record when the last A/C check was carried out as well as the relevant intervals.
Download [PDF; 355 KB]
A/C check service sticker
An absolute must, along with the service booklet!
This sticker acts as an immediate, unmissable reminder of when the next A/C service is due.
Door frames or engine compartments are ideal places to display the sticker, reminding customers about the work that has been done on the vehicle and when the next service is due.
Download [PDF; 14 KB]
For all those who love and maintain vehicles—MAHLE OzonePro!
- Simple to use, safe, and 100 percent environmentally friendly
- Fully automatic
- For passenger car and truck cabins as well as bus interiors
- For sanitization of the workplace
- Also suitable for use in offices, hotels, and stores
For further information:
www.servicesolutions.mahle.com/eu/ne/product-lines/ozonpro/
Good to know!
The use of ozone as a cleaning agent for air and water is advocated by various health ministries around the world.
