GORINCHEM | As soon as the temperature rises, so does the pressure on the workshop. On hot days, motorists immediately notice when their car’s air conditioning isn’t cooling properly, is emitting strange odours, is making noise or has failed completely. But modern air conditioning systems do much more than just keep the interior comfortable. They are developing at breakneck speed and are playing an increasingly important role in the thermal management of modern vehicles.
Whereas air conditioning used to be seen primarily as a comfort feature, the system is now crucial to performance, reliability and efficiency. At the same time, new refrigerants and advanced diagnostic techniques are creating new challenges in the workshop. How can you, as a garage, stay ahead of the curve?
Why car air conditioning is crucial, especially on hot days
When outside temperatures are high, the air-con system really has to work hard. Drivers then flock to find solutions to problems such as ‘car air conditioning not cooling’, ‘topping up car air conditioning’, ‘air conditioning making noise’ or ‘air conditioning smells’. Whereas comfort used to be the main priority, air conditioning is now directly linked to the vehicle’s performance and reliability.
This view is shared by Joost Bouwmeister of WAECO Germany WSE GmbH. According to him, the role of air conditioning has changed fundamentally in recent years: “In the past, air conditioning was mainly seen as a comfort feature. In electric vehicles, it has now become a must-have.”
The difference is particularly marked in electric cars. During charging, the air conditioning system plays a key role in cooling the battery pack. “During supercharging, an air conditioning compressor sometimes runs at 90 per cent of its capacity. That is much more intensive than with normal cabin cooling.”
According to Bouwmeister, good thermal management not only ensures a longer battery life, but also a faster charging speed and a better range. “The better the heat is dissipated, the more efficient the charging process is. These days, everything revolves around thermal management.”
Waeco Germany WSE GmbH at Auto Prof 2027
Would you like to find out more about Waeco or see what they can do for you? Visit them at Auto Prof at Stand E30!
Air conditioning in electric cars has greater consequences
In an electric car, a poorly functioning air conditioning system can therefore cause more than just a hot interior. If the system does not cool sufficiently, this can affect the battery pack, the charging process and the car’s performance. It is precisely on hot days, when both the driver and the vehicle need extra cooling, that it becomes clear just how important a properly functioning air conditioning system is.
This also means that customer demand is changing for garages. An air conditioning check is no longer just a service for comfort, but an opportunity to diagnose the entire thermal management system. This requires up-to-date knowledge, suitable equipment and mechanics who know what to look out for.
New refrigerants require new knowledge
The market for refrigerants is also changing rapidly. The transition from R134a to R1234yf is now in full swing, and R744 (CO₂) systems are also gaining ground.
Germen Wever of Airco Techniek BV sees this development on a daily basis. “We still supply a lot of machines for R134a systems, but demand for R1234yf equipment continues to grow steadily, particularly among dealer networks and larger multi-brand garages.”
But that’s not all. “This year, we’re also seeing a strikingly sharp rise in sales of air conditioning machines for R744 (CO₂) systems, particularly among dealer networks and larger independent garages.” For workshops, this means that investing in up-to-date knowledge and suitable equipment is becoming increasingly important.
Working smarter during the summer months
During the summer months, the workshop is often running at full capacity. Air-con checks, air-con servicing, leak repairs, top-ups and fault diagnostics come thick and fast. That’s when every minute counts: after all, working efficiently not only saves time but also increases service capacity.
“There is a strong focus on maximising workshop efficiency,” explains Wever. He has noticed that more and more companies are opting for solutions that prevent unnecessary steps.
“For example, we’re seeing renewed interest in the Universal 68 air-con compressor oil. As this oil is suitable for all vehicle air-con systems, mechanics need to change the oil or flush air-con units internally less often. This results in significant time savings, particularly during the busy summer months.”
For garages that receive a high volume of air-conditioning work on hot days, this can make an immediate difference to scheduling, turnaround times and profitability.
Airco Techniek at Auto Prof 2027
Would you like to find out more about Airco Techniek or see what they can do for you? Visit them at Auto Prof at Stand G10!
The future starts today
Air conditioning services are evolving faster than ever. Electrification, new refrigerants and advanced thermal management mean that yesterday’s knowledge is no longer sufficient for the vehicles of tomorrow.
At the Auto Prof trade fair, you’ll meet the specialists who are at the forefront of these developments. Discover the latest equipment, learn more about diagnostics, thermal management and refrigerants, and prepare your workshop for the next step in air conditioning servicing.
Do you want to showcase your innovations to the industry, meet new customers and gain a competitive edge? Then now is the perfect time to secure your place at Auto Prof 2027.
