Garage Support Newsletter 5 UK LKQ ECP

Why Should I Offer an Air Con Service? What Do I Need to Do to Get Started?

Not all garages offer an air con service but it’s something that could provide you with a unique opportunity if it’s something your competitors don’t. Many new cars on the road will now have air conditioning fitted as standard, so identifying the right A/C machine that allows you to service them effectively is an area that needs your full attention. Plus, the return on investment speaks for itself.

1234yf has been the refrigerant of choice in all new manufactured vehicles since 2017. These 4-year-old cars are now coming out of their warranty and service packages and entering the aftermarket. Coupled with those vehicles running on 1234yf since 2013, this year has never been a better year to invest in a 1234yf machine.

There’s also approximately 7 years left of any real R134a volume work. So even though R134a is no longer the preferred refrigerant for manufacturers, there is the capacity for work out there, so a dual gas machine could be an option if you’re working to a budget or are considering investing in something now whilst the value for money is still there.

Return on investment example:

What You Can Earn Services per week

2 8

Your opportunity is based on 2 services per week

Services per month

Services per week x 4 working weeks per month

£119 .99

Retail price

Per job

What will it cost Overhead cost

3 months The typical pay back period for an air con machine by achieving just 2 re-gas jobs per week.

£10 .00 £50 .00 £60 .00

Per job (minimal hands-on time)

Consumable cost

Per vehicle – based on an entirely empty system!

Total cost

How long to cover the cost of the equipment Monthly profit (revenue minus costs) £59.99 per job minimum

£479 .92

3 months

Pay back

Return on investment based on £1,600 equipment

Once you have decided to offer an air con service, you need to make sure both your staff and workshop are equipped for the job.

GO!

READY

STEADY

1

Decide what air con machine is right for you and your business. You will find a handy machine comparison guide on pages 8 and 9. Step 2

You’ve picked your machine, now you need the air con gas, system repair tools, safety gear, service and warranty package – the full works!. We have put together an overview of the equipment you will need on pages 10 and 11. Step 3

Step

First things first, make sure your staff are trained to carry out service, maintenance and repair jobs.

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