Aftermarket December/January 2023

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2023 AFTERMARKET 55 often be quite exposed and therefore susceptible to leaks due to humidity, dust and salt from the road. A thorough visual inspection is highly recommended whenever a vehicle enters the workshop, and when a new condenser needs to be fitted, it is advisable to choose a high-quality replacement part with a corrosion-protective coating, such as a Nissens condenser, which comes with anti-corrosion protection as standard.” On the importance of good airflow, Jan said: “The airflow around the system is another critical aspect for the correct function of the vehicle’s A/C and this requires inspection, whatever the season. As already mentioned, the condenser is naturally the first part to examine and besides its surface, the proper operation of the AC fan and elimination of any dust and soiling from its housing are important things to check. However, when it’s colder, another area of the A/C system that requires attention is the cabin air intake and filtration, as this has a tremendous influence on the system’s performance. Whenever these are impaired, it can cause severe problems, which it is also possible for the occupants to notice when the heater is on. Another problem area is clogged moisture outflow ducts because, as condensation is a natural effect of the high-temperature differences around the evaporator, it must find an easy way out of the vehicle and this is made possible by outflow ducts. If, however, their function is impaired, by some sort of restriction, for example, the condensation will accumulate within the compartment, and this moisture will quickly cause the housing’s padding and foam to rot, causing odours, bacteria and mould to formulate.” For more information, visit: www.nissens.com Wipers Lastly, a wiper blade check is a key part of any winter inspection, and TRICO suggests that workshops offer a free winter wiper blade check as First Brand’s Group Brand & Marketing Manager (Europe) Sam Robinson observed: “With winter officially here, it’s more important than ever for technicians to appraise and potentially replace the wiper blades, as they are one of the most safety critical components on a vehicle. Wiper blades are an excellent consumable to focus on when upselling, especially following the long, bright summer, because the UV rays from the sun could have damaged the rubber of the blade, so these will need checking to ensure they are in optimum condition.” When performing a wiper blade check, Sam suggests the following: “Ensure the windscreen is thoroughly cleaned using warm water or specialist glass cleaning fluid. In particular pay attention to the areas at the top and bottom of the wipe area, as dirt and debris collect there. Also check the glass for any cracks or chips. Check the blade is securely fixed to the arm. The blade should rotate freely, parallel with the wiper arm, to allow it to flex over the screen, but there should be no wobbling or movement perpendicular to the arm. If the blade shows excessive movement, replace it immediately. Gently clean the rubber blade edge with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dirt or residue. Check along its length for any imperfections in the rubber, in particular check at either end that it has not split. Ensure that the rubber element returns to a central position and is not flipped over and set in one direction. If the blade fails any of these checks, it should be replaced. Using the washer spray or a mister bottle to spray the glass, operate the wipers and check that there are no missed areas, water smears or multiple streaks that impair vision. “ Sam added: “The complete TRICO range features conventional, beam, hybrid and specialty blades in all lengths, for both front and rear applications, under lines such as TRICO Force, Exact Fit, Flex, NeoForm and TX. As blades are not only affected by rain and snow, but also the UV rays from the sun, TRICO recommends that wiper blades are replaced every 12 months to ensure maximum effectiveness and visibility.”