Regular air-conditioning inspections protect against unexpected failures and costs

People who look for short-term savings often pay more in the long-run. Regular inspection and servicing of air-conditioning units – experts recommend checking utility vehicles every six months – not only saves on costs and time-consuming repairs, but also reduces idle times and downtimes. Regular servicing also reduces the consumption of the air-conditioning unit.

According to thermal management experts Behr Hella Service, air-conditioning units which are not serviced properly, or not at all, are veritable "gas guzzlers". In a model analysis, experts found out that an air-conditioning unit consumed around 0.6 litres more per 100 kilometres if not serviced regularly. A vehicle that drives 125,000 kilometres each year and uses the air-conditioning unit 60 per cent of the time on average consumes up to 450 litres more fuel each year. Regular servicing not only helps reduce running costs; it also prevents high repair costs and the need for expensive spare parts if the air-conditioning system breaks down prematurely or suffers serious damage. For example, the oil circulating with the refrigerant lubricates the air-conditioning compressor. Every year, up to 10 per cent of this refrigerant escapes through natural evaporation, which can cause compressor failure due to lack of lubrication.

The evaporator can also become the cause of many problems given that it is a significant part of the air-conditioning unit. Condensation forms in its fins. Over time, bacteria, fungi and microorganisms accumulate and can endanger the driver's health. The evaporator must therefore be disinfected regularly. A functioning air-conditioning unit keeps drivers more relaxed and safer in their cars; they are more concentrated and their reflexes are better, which effectively reduces the risk of accidents.

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Behr Hella Service GmbH, Schwäbisch Hall: The joint venture by the automotive suppliers Behr (specialist for vehicle air-conditioning and engine cooling) and Hella (specialist for components and systems for lighting technology and electronics) deals with the global independent aftermarket for vehicle air-conditioning and engine cooling. The joint venture combines Behr Service activities on the independent aftermarket and the air-conditioning sector of the Hella aftermarket organization. Behr and Hella each have a 50% share in the joint venture. The combination of Hella's global sales organisation with Behr's product know-how and the linking of activities in the field of vehicle air-conditioning and engine cooling for the parts business is a consistent further development of the already existing cooperation between Behr and Hella in the field of climate control and front-end modules.

For further information contact:

Jörg Laukenmann

Behr Hella Service GmbH

Head of Marketing/Communication

Phone: +49 7907 9446-37358

Fax: +49 7907 9446-37 379

Email: joerg.laukenmann@behrhellaservice.com
www.behrhellaservice.com

Dr. Markus Richter

Hella KGaA Hueck & Co.

Company Spokesperson

Phone: +49 (0)2941 38-7545

Fax: +49 (0)2941 38-477545

Email: markus.richter@hella.com
www.hella.com