May 2021

A s lockdown restrictions start to ease and car usage increases, the effects of inactivity, coupled with the change in seasons, will soon translate into extra work for garages. “For many drivers,” said Julian Goulding, Northern Europe Marketing Manager at Delphi Technologies Aftermarket, “air conditioning servicing is a bit of an afterthought, but it’s essential maintenance in order to optimise comfort, while a neglected system can even be detrimental to the health of a car’s occupants. “With the onset of warmer weather, it’s only a matter of time before it’s evident to many car owners that the inactivity has impaired their vehicle’s air conditioning system. Where a system might have worked perfectly before lockdown, there’s every possibility that it will now have issues, simply because it hasn’t been turned on every now and then. Firing it up after sustained inactivity can be too much for the A/C compressor, while the systems of cars that have seldom turned a wheel can smell bad. The easy-to-recognise smell of damp being a result of bacteria and mold that have built up in the system due to a lack of use. “Couple this lockdown inactivity with A/C now a standard feature on many cars, and it’s a perfect storm for air conditioning servicing to be in hot demand this summer. For garages, it represents another opportunity to recoup losses made in 2020, but only if they have access to the correct parts, equipment, and knowledge.” Quality repair Julian continued: “First and foremost our focus in on delivering high-quality, reliable product, giving technicians the right part to efficiently complete a quality repair that meets or exceeds OE standards, but we also complement this with comprehensive training that includes a two-day A/C with F-Gas Certification course which covers the fundamentals of A/C, detailed system/component operation, component servicing, climate control systems, hybrid system differences, recovery, charging, and recycling and leak detection methods, combined with an assessment for EC307/2008 F gas legislation. We also offer comprehensive support through our technical hotline and vehicle technical information software.” “For the comfort and safety of motorists,” said Nissens Marketing Manager Jan Zieleskiewicz,” the performance of A/C and climate control systems is essential. This relies on regular maintenance, by competent technicians, using premium quality parts. Nissens Automotive does its best to ensure its distribution partners have a range of its key system components on their shelves, ready for the A/C season. “Two of the most frequently replaced parts are compressors and condensers. The Nissens compressor range consists of almost 600 part numbers, supplemented by close to 1,200 condensers, which cater for 79% and 94% of the European car parc respectively. Naturally, the complete A/C programme also includes interior blowers, 32 AFTERMARKET MAY 2021 AIR CONDITIONING www.aftermarketonline.net Find out how you can get more out of 2021’s A/C opportunity BLOWING COLD AND HOT evaporators, receiver-driers, fans and most recently, thermal expansion valves (TXV) and is in constant growth as new additions are introduced. Another notable benefit of the Nissens AC programme is the fact that more than 230 components in its climate system range fit the most popular hybrid and electric vehicle applications, reflecting the shift in technology that is inevitably destined to be experienced in the independent workshop.” Convenient and safe Jan continued: “All Nissens products are developed and manufactured according to market-recognised, genuine Nissens’ quality standards. This ensures that they are perfectly finished, thus enabling a trouble-free, fast installation. The functionality of every component is thoroughly tested so it matches the OE part, which ensures its optimal thermal performance. The majority of Nissens A/C parts are also First Fit products, which means the technician gets everything that is needed for their correct installation within the product box. Furthermore, Nissens’ condensers are corrosion protected, which prolongs their lifespan considerably.” He added: “Alongside its premium quality components, Nissens has a reputation for its technical support, which it provides to installers through a variety of forms from print to online, including technical training, self-learning modules and technical tips, as well as detailed installation and troubleshooting guides. One of the many helpful pieces of best practice advice and fitting tips, is to always replace the TXV, when installing a new compressor.” For more information visit: www.nissens.com/climate Today’s air conditioning system is intrinsically linked with cooling in the vehicle, and as Adam White, Workshop Solutions Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts explained, this makes the situation more complicated when it comes to working on the system: “Most people associate their A/C with comfort in the cabin, but it’s about more than just maintaining the right air temperature for the driver and passengers – properly-functioning A/C is also crucial to the health of the vehicle and the quality of the air inside it. In diesel cars, for example, A/C refrigerants help to cool the engine, and hybrid systems use air con to cool the battery. UFI ARGENTIUM cutaway