The risk of accidents caused by overheating in a car is often underestimated

A survey conducted by Wuppertal University on behalf of the German Road Traffic Authority (Bundesanstalt für Strassenwesen) has revealed that the number of accidents increases by 11 percent when then temperature in the car measures 27 degrees Celsius and by a staggering 22 percent when it rises to 32 degrees. These temperatures are easily reached, and not just at the height of summer. An air conditioning system not only enhances well-being, it also increases safety in the car. Having said that, it must, however, work perfectly - which means it must be regularly serviced, according to the a/c experts at Behr Hella Service. The compressor, condenser, evaporator and thermostatic expansion valve for the air conditioning system should therefore be checked once a year. As much as 10% of the coolant in the air conditioning system volatilises naturally each year, while at the same time the hoses and seals may dry out and start leaking. The refrigerant should be renewed, leak tightness examined and the filter dryer replaced every two years. An air conditioning system can only produce peak performance if it is properly maintained. This is, above all, the only means of avoiding expensive repair costs: After all, installing a new a/c compressor can cost a car owner as much as 1,000 euros.

A fully functioning air conditioning system not only protects drivers against heat stress; it also ensures the correct air quality. If the air is too damp, the windows fog up; if it is not damp enough, the eyes dry out. By the same token, regular servicing protects against dangerous micro-organisms that can cause allergies and which are found, not just in the environment, but also in the system's soiled evaporators and cabin air filters. The evaporator should therefore be regularly disinfected and the cabin air filter replaced after every 15,000 kilometres to prevent not just unpleasant smells caused by bacteria but also allergic reactions. Reliable filtering of the dust, pollen and carbon black in the atmosphere also prevents any dirt deposits on the fan motor which could cause excessive mechanical stress and result in costly damages.

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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