Birmingham
Birmingham, located in the heart of England, is a bustling city known for its vibrant culture and diverse population. With a population of over 1 million, it is the second most populous city in the United Kingdom.
The most popular cars in Birmingham
When it comes to car ownership in Birmingham, the data collected reveals some interesting insights. Topping the list as the most popular car in the city is the Ford Focus, a favorite among Birmingham residents. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Corsa, BMW 3 Series, and the Audi A3.
In addition to the aforementioned information, it is worth noting that Birmingham residents have a preference for compact and fuel-efficient cars, reflecting the city's focus on sustainability and environmental consciousness. This aligns with the city's efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote greener transportation options.
Vehicle numbers in Birmingham
Birmingham boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 500,000 cars registered in the city. This high number reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the need for efficient and reliable car maintenance services.
Postcodes and suburbs in Birmingham
Birmingham is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the notable areas include B1 (Birmingham City Centre), B13 (Moseley, Billesley, and Kings Heath), B29 (Selly Oak, Weoley Castle, and California), and B42 (Perry Barr, Great Barr, and Hamstead). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the rich automotive landscape of Birmingham.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Birmingham residents, we understand the importance of providing top-notch services to keep their beloved vehicles in optimal condition. Whether it's routine maintenance, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of Birmingham's automotive landscape.
What does an air conditioning regas do?
It’s no longer considered a luxury, so most modern cars come with air con. However, like anything else, it needs regular maintenance. If you’re not getting cold air into your vehicle, regassing is the most likely solution.
A regas is the removal of old refrigerant gas from the system and replacing and recharging it, along with the lubricant and in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, so that the air runs cold again. (By the way, vehicles made from 2017 onwards are legally obliged to use a new type of refrigerant.)
While DIY kits are available, they save you almost nothing compared with getting a specialist to do the job. What’s more, if something goes wrong, you could be left with a pricey bill, or there could be safety issues. (Refrigerant can cause painful freeze burns if it gets on your skin or in your eyes.) Equally, if there are any other problems with the air con system, a professional will be able to put them right.
How often should I need to regas my air conditioner?
Most manufacturers suggest getting the air con serviced every couple of years, although many drivers wait until there’s no cold air coming through before taking action. But it’s really not worth putting it off—as well as creating an uncomfortable travelling environment, poorly working air conditioning makes it harder to demist windows in winter, and may mean the engine has to work harder, so fuel consumption rises. Additionally, pipes in the system could crack, or parts seize up.
The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT
A faulty air conditioner won’t affect your car’s MOT, but it can affect the comfort of you and your passengers. It’s worth keeping your air conditioning running at its optimum performance as the impact it can have on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency could significantly affect the day-to-day cost of your motoring.
What happens when we regas your air conditioning?
Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will check for cracks and leaks that could be hindering the air conditioning system’s efficient operation.
Wherever required, all old refrigerant will be removed from your air conditioning system and replaced with the precise quantity of fresh refrigerant.
You will also be advised of any other parts that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.
Once the refrigerant has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure its correct running make any adjustments required for its premium operation.
Symptoms you might need an AC regas
Your air con isn’t as cold as normal
If your AC has stopped working correctly and you notice that the air conditioning in your car isn’t providing the usual levels of cold air as normal, it’s probably time for a regas.
Looking after your air conditioning
It’s true that most general car services don’t cover air conditioning, but any garage should be able to do a straightforward air con service and regas for you at an affordable price. They will probably want to do a pre-service inspection first, and any repairs needed as a result are usually billed for separately.
The inspection should include looking out for any cracks or leaks that could hinder the system’s efficient working.
Try and use the system all year round to keep it running smoothly, and consider an anti-bacterial clean if musty smells are emerging from the vents—your garage or workshop should also offer this. Additionally, change the cabin filter regularly.