The sun is shining and the weather is lovely and warm, but is your vehicle’s air conditioning summer-ready?
Air conditioning in cars and vans is something we take for granted.
Modern vehicles are fitted with sophisticated climate controls that allow us to control individual zones to absolute precision.
The weather this past week will have prompted many motorists to reach for the AC for the first time in 2025, but when was the last time you serviced the air conditioning system?
AC System Service
There seems to be a common misconception amongst motorists when it comes to vehicle air conditioning.
Whilst it’s true your AC system should be serviced every two years, the idea that it simply ‘runs out of gas’ isn’t entirely accurate.
Most motorists mistakenly believe that air con is serviced within a routine service package. Generally speaking, it is not.
Worse still. Some garages offer low-price AC ‘re-gas’ options, but there is so much more to the system.
Fully Certified Technicians
HallCraft director James Hopcraft said: “Air conditioning is taken for granted and there is way more to it than a topping up of the gas.
“At HallCraft, we have fully certified technicians who are trained and licensed to handle automotive air conditioning refrigerant to help you get the best out of your air conditioning.
“We don’t just re-gas your system and hope for the best; instead, we provide a thorough service or repair, ensuring you get the best from your system.
Refrigerant Levels
“Most manufacturers recommend you service your AC every two years. A healthy, effective air con system helps keep vehicle cabins cool in the summer and helps to demist windows during the winter.
“If your system has little or no refrigerant inside, there’s usually a reason, most often a leak.
“These can sometimes be obvious, but after more than 30 years of hands-on experience, we know they can also be very difficult to trace.
“At HallCraft, with the right tools and expertise, we don’t just top up the system and send you on your way, oh no, our ATA- and F-gas-certified technicians use professional methods including nitrogen pressure testing and UV dye to find and confirm even the smallest leaks.
AC Servicing
HallCraft provides two clear options when it comes to vehicle air conditioning servicing and maintenance.
- Routine air conditioning servicing – if your system is still working, we recommend having it serviced every two years to keep it operating efficiently.
- Diagnostic air conditioning assessment – if your AC has stopped working, HallCraft will carry out a full investigation and report our findings before discussing your options.
HallCraft is fully equipped to service and repair the most common refrigerant types – R134a and R1234yf – which cover the majority of vehicles on the road today.
Hybrid and Fully Electric Vehicles
James added: “It’s also important to note that hybrid and fully electric vehicles (BEVs – battery electric vehicles) often use air conditioning systems that operate in a completely different way.
“These systems may require non-conductive oils and specialised dyes, among other considerations, to ensure safe and proper servicing. Our team is trained to handle these differences with the care and attention they require.
“While a leak is by far the most common cause of AC failure, there are many other components and factors to take into account.
AC Failure Causes
“Drive belts, compressors, control units, heat pumps, and valves can all affect system performance. For this reason, we strongly recommend having professionals like HallCraft diagnose and repair your vehicle’s AC system.
“We appreciate that it can be frustrating to hear that more than just a quick re-gas is needed. But please, think wisely and have your system checked properly by professionals.
“It’s far more cost-effective in the long run and helps you avoid repeated failures and unnecessary charges for re-gassing systems that may only work temporarily.”
Service Bookings
HallCraft is taking bookings for air conditioning servicing, but places are filling fast. If you would like our team to have a look at your vehicle and advise or book it in for a service, use the link below.
*To book your AC service or to discuss your car or van servicing, MOT, or accident repair requirements, talk to our team via this link
* For all media and marketing enquiries, contact Onside PR or click this link
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