Garage Support 2023 Issue 2

Air-Con – Don’t miss out

Air-Con in Hybrid and Electric vehicles

Why invest in Air-con Equipment

There are more cars on the road then ever before!

Air-con systems on Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (EV’s) cars aren’t just necessary for a cold, comfortable cabin. EV air-con systems are also essential in ensuring the electric motors, batteries and axles remain cool. Electric car components get very hot when in use and could overheat and fail without a fully operational and well maintained air-con system.

There are millions of cars and light commercial vehicles on the road fitted with air-con as standard. And what’s more, the vast majority of all new vehicle registrations now come with air-con as standard. Plus – did you know all Electric Vehicles (EV’s) are fitted with air-con as standard. Air-con is not part of a routine vehicle service. Consequently, it often becomes an after-thought despite manufacturers recommending that Different Types of Gas Up until the end of 2016 vehicles could be fitted with either 134a or R1234yf gas systems. Changes in EU legislation now means that every car manufactured from the beginning of 2017 can only be fitted with the R1234yf gas systems. The chances of a vehicle coming into your garage with R1243yf gas are fast increasing, so whether you’re looking to add air-con as an additional service you offer or are looking to upgrade your existing machine, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. If you’re currently outsourcing air-con servicing because you don’t have the right equipment at your garage, you should consider purchasing one. This will ensure you avoid turning away customers. • Increased revenue streams for your workshop • Minimal technician hands on time • Avoid subcontracting the work out to another garage • Increased customer satisfaction and retention. the system should be checked and serviced regularly. • Millions of vehicles are fitted with air-con systems as standard – and constantly increasing in volume • Air-con systems should be serviced every 12 months • Gas should be topped up every year. Benefits Offer a FREE Summer Health Check Maximise your opportunity A stress-free trip As the warmer weather approaches, it's likely that many customers will be planning a staycation and relying on their vehicle for transportation. By offering a FREE summer health check, you can give your customers the confidence and assurance they need as they embark on their summer getaway. A revenue opportunity not to be missed

What air-con gas is used for Hybrid and EV’s? You may be wondering what air-con gas is suitable to use on a Hybrid or EV? There are things we need to consider before re-gasing an air-con system on an electric vehicle however the type of gas needed is likely to be determined on when the car was manufactured as opposed to whether it’s an EV. As most electric cars have been manufactured in the last 4 years you’ll probably need the new generation air-con gas R1234YF. Hybrid cars manufactured before 2018 may still require the traditional R134A gas.

EV PAG oil Using the correct PAG oil is essential when re-gasing a Hybrid or EV air-con system. If the incorrect PAG oil was used then there’s a risk is could conduct high voltage to the compressor case or connected components. This could potentially lead to damage to components and even electric shock. This is why all our air-con equipment uses a universal PAG oil in every re-gas. Universal PAG oil is suitable for both R1234A & R134YF gas and is suitable to use on both Hybrid and Electric cars.

Over 50% of vehicles now use the new 1234yf gas

Signs of decreasing range in EV • When your air-con refrigerant is low, the air-con system has to work harder to cool the air in the cabin. This extra work uses more power and reduces your EV range. • Your air-con isn’t as cold as it used to be and may even feel like it’s blowing warm air • When you switch the air-con on it smells musty and have a stale odour • You notice more condensation on your windows • Test the temperature of the vehicle using a temperature probe.

Replacing cabin filters on an EV? Electric cars have far less filters than a conventional car which means servicing is much simpler than it is for a petrol or diesel powered vehicles. However, one very important filter they do still need is the cabin filter. Electric vehicle manufacturers usually recommend you change the cabin filter every 2 years.

Here to support you To help you offer a Summer Health check we’ve developed a variety of digital and print based promotional assets for you to use – totally FREE of charge to you.

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Page 4 | Garage Support | 2023 Issue 2 No only do your customers get peace of mind from a stress free trip – you have thepotential revenue opportunity from work identified on your customers vehicle.

Garage Support | 2023 Issue 2 | Page 5