Press release

March 31, 2017

Air conditioning systems: Regular maintenance, otherwise there is a risk of damage

Trade journal "kfz-betrieb" uncovers inadequate service promises from the automotive industry

Vehicle manufacturers often refer to their air conditioning systems as "lifetime filling" and "maintenance-free". Is this a cost trap for consumers? In reality, manufacturers cannot keep this promise - a vehicle air conditioning system is not even leak-proof in theory. Above all, the rubber hoses and seals used are a guarantee that the refrigerant used will leak out - according to a study by the Federal Environment Agency, an average of 6.3 percent evaporates each year. In the current issue, the trade journal "kfz-betrieb" points out the inadequate service promises of the automotive industry and sheds light on the background.

The refrigerant is not the only reason why vehicle owners should have their air conditioning system serviced regularly: Natural refrigerant loss is not the only reason why air conditioning compressors - the most important and most expensive component of an air conditioning system - have been failing more and more frequently in recent years. Modern technology itself is also responsible for this. Unlike in the past, modern compressors are constantly running, even if the driver has not pressed the A/C button. As a result, the compressor oil that circulates in every system wears out much faster today. In addition, these compressors are often supplied with too little oil for technical reasons. As a result, these compressors break down mechanically more and more often.

If a workshop detects worn oil or even a defective compressor has distributed metallic abrasion in the system, it must clean the system by "flushing" it. However, not all car manufacturers allow this. Instead, companies such as BMW prescribe the complete replacement of all air conditioning components. This costs the vehicle owner several thousand euros. But now the Munich-based company is beginning to rethink. Their hybrid and e-models have prompted this rethink. In these, the air conditioning system also cools the battery packs. Replacing the system completely in the event of contamination would be tantamount to a total economic loss, even in young vehicles. For this reason, the manufacturer now officially permits flushing in these models.

"The competitor Mercedes-Benz is also in the process of introducing the first CO2-based air conditioning systems and is only prescribing a maintenance interval for these for the time being," comments Steffen Dominsky, editor of the "Service & Technology" section of "kfz-betrieb": "The customer now has to have the air conditioning inspected every 125,000 kilometers. Apparently it is necessary after all."

You can order a free press copy of the current issue 13 of "kfz-betrieb" from March 31, 2017 from: pressestelle@vogel.de.

"kfz-betrieb" is the most widely read trade magazine in the automotive industry and has been informing the automotive trade and service sector for over 100 years. "kfz-betrieb" is the official organ of the German Motor Vehicle Trade (ZDK), the professional interest group for around 38,000 car dealerships and workshops. News from the entire automotive industry is available at www.kfz-betrieb.de and in the daily newsletter. The parent company Vogel Business Media is Germany's largest trade media company with 100+ trade journals, 100+ web portals, 100+ business events as well as numerous mobile offerings and international activities. Its headquarters are in Würzburg. The company celebrated its 125th birthday in 2016.

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