WHEN does an optional BEISSBARTH extra become no option - when it is included in over 80 percent of new cars. Air conditioning is fast becoming as integral to a vehicle as air bags or rear windscreen wipers. It's not just that the planet is getting warmer, and that we have recently had some of the hottest months, summers and years on record. We are becoming more spoilt. We want cars that are reliable, fast and, most importantly, comfortable, and that includes the internal temperature.

SERVICED
But, while motorists understand the importance of professional vehicle servicing to keep the engine running and the wheels turning, most are only just learning that you have your air conditioning serviced and recharged regularly - by professionals with the right kit.
The fundamental working of vehicle air conditioning is the change of refrigerant gas in a pressurised closed circuit from liquid to gas. Like the domestic fridge, an evaporator converts the refrigerant from a liquid into a gas and a condenser reverses the process.
The evaporator is normally just behind the dashboard so it can take heat from the interior of the vehicle, while the condenser is nearer the car front grill to ensure a free flow of air to help it cool down.

'Most (motorists) are only just learning that you have your air conditioning serviced and recharged regularly - by professionals with the right kit'

Occasionally, small quantities of refrigerant are lost through minute leaks in the system. Once they fall below their critical level, pressure drops, the air conditioning effectiveness deteriorates and eventually the system packs up altogether. If the unit becomes empty, a vacuum must be recreated when recharging the refrigerant or the system will be further damaged.

Deterred by concerns of lower fuel efficiency when using air conditioning, drivers are tempted to turn off their air conditioning units over the winter. A big mistake. The refrigerant includes a small quantity of oil which lubricates the seals and rings and crack. Older systems deteriorate and can fail after a winter of idleness and it is said that most systems lose 15% efficiency per year.

Manufacturers recommend turning on the air conditioning at intervals throughout the winter - and it's a great way to reduce the moisture in the vehicle and demist the windscreen quickly and effectively.
So the industry is recommending regular air conditioning servicing as part of the overall servicing package.

DO'S AND DONT'S
Top of the list of do's and don'ts is that you must make adequate arrangements for the recovery and disposal of old or waste , refrigerant and gas, including any contained in scrap receptacles or equipment. Deliberate release of gasses into the atmosphere has been illegal since 1991, but care must be taken not to release the gases by accident, eg when carrying out roadside repairs on cars following accidents.

Technicians must wear appropriate protective clothing or risk frostbite or asphyxiation.
A Waste Transfer Note is required when waste refrigerants are passed on for recovery or disposal and the two types of coolant, R 12 and R134a, must not be mixed.
Equipment designed to test, repair and recharge air conditioning units ensure the tests are carried out safely and swiftly.