What is included in an air con check?

During the check our mechanic will check your air con pressure, the quantity of gas, make sure there are no leaks and check your refrigerant levels to see if your system needs to be regassed for optimal performance. If you do require an aircon regas or repair, the mechanic will be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote upfront.

BMW

BMW AG is a German automobile and motorcycle manufacturer that was established over 100 years ago in March 1916. They also own Mini and Rolls Royce, after taking over the two British marques in 2000 and 1998 respectively.

How popular is BMW in the United Kingdom?

BMW makes luxury vehicles and is possibly most famous for its sports saloon models. In 2018, BMW had 1.9m vehicles on the roads in the UK, a number that has been steadily increasing each year for the past decade.

As one of the ‘big 3’ German marques, along with Audi and Mercedes, BMW carries a strong reputation for making high-quality stylish vehicles, and have captured a large section of the UK market.

Luxury family and business models for every driver

Probably most popular for the 3 Series and 5 Series saloon models, BMW has got every possible angle covered for the more discerning drivers.

The full range includes everything from the 1 Series city car to the full-size saloons and sports coupes of the 7 and 8 Series models.

To provide everything you’d ever need for family motoring there’s a seven-seat MPV, their range of X model SUVs, and since 2014, the introduction of their plug-in electric i models. Top it all off with their M model high-performance supercars, the Z4 convertible and the i8 Roadster—and you’ve got the full package.

BMW: High performance on and off the track

BMW has a successful history in a range of motorsports.

They have been significant performers in touring car racing and rally driving, enjoyed success in Formula One with the BMW Sauber team, and BMW cars have been regular competitors and winners at Le Mans since the race’s early years.

BMW’s reliability and reputation

BMW ranked 16th place out of 30 car brands in the What Car? Reliability Survey in 2018. BMW hasn’t always had the best reputation for reliability but to rank alongside marques such as Honda, Volkswagen and Fiat they’re holding their own alongside plenty of the other big names.

Why is my car’s air conditioning important?

A fully functioning air con system is important for the comfort of you and your passengers, especially on warmer days and on long journeys. Air conditioning is also very important because it helps cool the car down, making it safer to drive in hot weather and reducing the risk of it overheating.

How long should aircon regas last?

The gas in your air conditioning unit can last up to as long as 5 years, but most will manage somewhere nearer only 2.

We'd recommend having your aircon serviced every few years, but many drivers choose to wait until there's no cold air blowing from their vents. Although this is quite a standard practice among drivers, it's not always the best idea if you want to protect your compressor and maintain its optimum operation.

How do I know if my car aircon needs regassing or servicing?

Typically, you'll notice that the air blowing from your vents isn't as cold as it usually is. Or if there is a more serious problem with your air conditioning system, it might not be blowing any air at all.

How often should I regas my car aircon?

Manufacturers recommend a regas every 1–2 years. It's a good idea to service the aircon system at the same time to ensure optimum performance.

Do you use more fuel with the aircon on?

Using your aircon can increase fuel consumption by up to 8–10%. However, driving with the windows open can cause extra drag, especially at higher speeds, which will also increase fuel consumption.

Does car aircon gas run out?

Yes. The refrigerant gas used to keep your car interior cool will be used up over time. When getting your gas topped up, you should also check the aircon's lubricant level for optimum performance.

What happens if there is no gas in my car’s aircon?

Without the gas your aircon requires, it won't be able to provide the necessary cold air to keep you and your passengers cool on a hot journey. Also, if there isn't enough gas in your system, the compressor could become excessively hot and even damaged.

How long does it take to regas an air conditioning system?

The labour time will vary depending on the mechanic and on your car make and model. It usually takes around 45 minutes to complete a re-gas on your vehicle's air conditioning system if it is fault-free.