Air Conditioning Spring Clean

 

Air conditioning does a lot more than simply cool you down in summer. It also removes moisture from the air helping demist your windscreen in cold, wet weather hence improving driving visibility.

 

ŠKODA recommends regular use of your car's air conditioning all year round: 

  • Use your car’s air conditioning in hot conditions, not just for comfort but to also to reduce the risk of driver fatigue.
  • Use your car’s air conditioning in cold and/or wet weather to dehumidify the cabin and to keep the windscreen and all windows clear of condensation.
  • Use your car’s air conditioning regularly throughout the year to keep the system lubricated.

Are you experiencing any nasty smells?

If so, it could be because your car’s air conditioning system needs cleaning.

 

Why does my car’s air conditioning need cleaning?

Over a period of time the condensation that settles in your car’s air conditioning system mixes with dirt, dust and other airborne pollutants. If left untreated this becomes a breeding ground for micro organisms often resulting in an unpleasant odour and sometimes cold-like, or allergy-like symptoms.

 

Why does this happen?

The evaporator is the part of the air conditioning system which cools the air. It is constructed as a series of ‘fins’. This construction maximise the surface area in contact with the surrounding air to cool the largest amount of air at any one time for maximum efficiency. The cooling effect is developed using refrigerant and any moisture in that surrounding air will settle on the surfaces of the evaporator as condensation, just like warm, damp air settling on a cold window. When the air conditioning isn’t in use the gaps between the evaporator fins become a warm, damp environment. As any microbiologist knows, a warm damp environment is the ideal place to grow bacteria and biological cultures.

 

How can ŠKODA help?

Participating ŠKODA Retailers use a ŠKODA Approved disinfectant treatment which gets to the root of the problem. The treatment disinfects the system and leaves your car bug free and smelling as fresh as a daisy. The treatment is quick and is available at very competitive prices. For a list of participating retailers, click here.

 

Beware of imitations!

Many cleaning treatments are used for cosmetic effect. They are either simply masking agents that temporarily eliminating the smell or they are only partially effective, e.g. they penetrate only the ‘easy to reach’ areas. The ŠKODA Approved treatment disinfects the system using an applicator which generates a vapour of less than 5 micron diameter droplets which are light enough to circulate through the entire air conditioning system, including those pesky evaporator fins.

 

The ŠKODA treatment is water based, non-toxic, non-irritating and non-flammable and when the application is complete the car is left completely dry and ready for immediate use (other treatments often require ventilation time).

 

What else should I be doing?

Just like any other component on your car, your ŠKODA’S air conditioning needs regular maintenance. Škoda UK recommends an air conditioning re-gas service every two years to:

 

  • maintain the system’s cooling performance
  • optimise fuel consumption
  • help prevent costly repairs
 
 
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