Whatever type of cooling system found in your Mercedes, the system will typically lose between 8-10 percent of coolant a year. Garages report that very few motorists are aware that an air conditioning system or a climate control requires servicing and maintenance. As the coolant disappears, it results in a lowered capability to cool. Over a longer period, the system could fail completely, and then the bill will be high.
Air Con service at record price
Your Mercedes Aircondition (AC System) loses refrigerant over time. If refrigerant levels are too low, you run the risk of the Aircon system wearing out or breaking. Book your next Aircondition Service through Autobutler.
Using the car's air conditioning system year round
If your Mercedes Benz is equipped with an air conditioning system or climate control, it is important that you remember to use it year-round. It is a myth that an air conditioner should not be used during winters, so turn on the system and use it more often than too little.
An air conditioning system requires constant lubrication so that the seals and pistons don’t dry out. Inside the closed system, oil flows that lubricates both seals and pistons, and if you do not use your air conditioning system or climate control, you risk that the vital parts dry out, and the system breaks down.
For the A/C system to work as it should, it is also recommended that you have it inspected at least once a year, and have it serviced at least once every two years.
What is the difference between a climate control and an air conditioning system?
A new Mercedes is nowadays either equipped with an air conditioning system or a climate control. Both systems function in that a compressor cools and dries the air, which is subsequently circulated inside the cabin. When the windows and the sunroof are kept closed, a constant temperature will be maintained throughout the drive.
With a fully automatic climate control, the temperature is controlled by means of small sensors that continuously controls how warm the cabin is. Upon temperature changes, either cool or warm air is blown in so that the temperature is kept at a constant level.
A dual zone climate control works in the same manner. The system can adjust the temperature individually on both the driver and passenger sides, and some systems may even control the temperature separately in front and back of the car.
In the most advanced climate controls, you can set a function that blows dehumidified air through the seat so that the temperature around the back feels comfortable.
A traditional air conditioning system is less advanced. The a/c system is a basic solution, in which the temperature is adjusted manually. The system only provides a specific temperature in the car, and if one wishes to change the temperature, this is done by adjusting both the fans and the temperature dial. The temperature is not automatically kept at a constant level.
How an air conditioning system is serviced
Since 2010, mechanics working with a/c systems must undergo special training. The coolant contaminates a lot more than CO2, and therefore it requires special qualifications to handle the coolant in the a/c systems in an environmentally responsible way.
It is therefore important that the garages can handle coolants correctly, but it is equally important that as a car owner you are not driving around with a leaky air conditioning system or climate control.
Below you can see point by point how a servicing of your Mercedes' air conditioning system is done.
1) The A / C system is emptied of coolant, and new coolant is filled.
2) The oil that serves as lubricant for the seals must be replaced.
3) The dryer that extracts moisture and dirt from the circulating coolant is checked.
4) The pollen filter is replaced.
5) Removal of the bad odors is achieved through cleaning and disinfecting the system's air ducts.
6) In conclusion, all functions of the system are checked.
By servicing the car’s air conditioning system/climate control, the longevity of the system is extended. At the same time, the risk of the system breaking down is minimized, for example, while on motoring holidays to southern Europe.
If you do not get the system cleaned, you will experience an unpleasant odor, and could end up with respiratory problems and even eye irritations, because of accumulated bacteria in the system that you breathe when you drive.
3 tips on air conditioning
Do you have a feeling that the air conditioning system does not cool as it should, then contact a garage? By using an a/c service machine, one will quickly identify any errors.
To reduce the formation of bacteria in the a/c system: Turn off the a/c system 15 minutes before the ride is over. When the system is turned off, the heat from the engine dries out the ducts, so that the system is emptied of the water that would otherwise condense and lead to the buildup of bacteria.
Have the a/c system inspected before buying a used car. In this way you avoid taking over a car with a defective a/c system.
How to maintain the car's air conditioning system yourself
Even though all possible precautions are taken, it can be hard to avoid the development of bacteria and bad odors in the car's a/c system. The explanation is that it collects water in the system.
To avoid unpleasant odors, the solution is that you conduct a thorough cleaning of the system.
1) This can be done by using a special spray that is sprayed directly on the a/c system’s evaporator.
First , you must remove the pollen filter, which is under the dashboard. Then start the engine and turn up the ventilation fan. Before leaving the vehicle, empty the can of cleaning spray into the hole where the pollen filter had been sitting.
Let all vents remain open while the ventilation system recirculates the air.
After half an hour, the system is cleaned, and you can install a new pollen filter.
2) You can also choose to use a so-called cleaning bomb spray. This solution is recommended if your a/c system only is mildly ‘attacked’ by bacteria.
The pollen filter is removed, the engine is started, and the ventilation fan is switched on.
System is switched to re-circulation and the cleaning bomb spray is activated, so that cleaning agent is sprayed into the cabin.
Quickly leave the cabin, which is now filled with a haze of cleaner. Remember to keep all doors and windows closed.
After 30 minutes you can install a new pollen filter and enjoy in the fresh scent in the car’s cabin.
