Nissens Automotive air conditioning condenser overview

The air conditioning (AC) condenser is one of the most critical parts of the AC system, as it ensures that the refrigerant/oil mixture is maintained within its correct operating parameters and also helps to keep the overall AC system working properly. So, replacement condensers of the appropriate design and materials are critical to secure the long term health and performance of the system.  

IMPORTANT TO KNOW  

The condenser is relatively fragile and its position at the front of the vehicle can expose it to harsh conditions, which, over time can cause it to deteriorate. Condenser failures are therefore relatively common, but can have various root causes, such as mechanical damage from careless service, insect or dust penetration or impacts from road debris, for example. In addition, de-icing salts used in the winter can lead to corrosion, causing the condenser’s surface to weaken and leak. Furthermore, overly dirty surfaces can limit the condenser’s heat exchange performance. 

The condenser’s contribution on the AC system’s performance should not be ignored. Even if it seems to be in a good shape, tight, and is still partially working, a condenser in poor condition can lead to related failures such as damage to, or even complete seizure of, the compressor, which can occur quite quickly and can be costly to replace. 

As a result, Nissens recommends that technicians undertake thorough condenser inspection during a vehicle’s annual service,  that any signs of damage or weakened performance should be investigated, and the root cause eliminated, before a replacement is fitted. Should the condenser require replacement, it is wise to choose a premium quality product as it is the only way to secure the optimum performance of the system, maximise its lifespan and help to avoid subsequent repeat repair.

GENUINE NISSENS QUALITY STANDARD 

Genuine Nissens Quality is a unique, advanced quality standard Nissens has established and applied in all processes from product design and development to manufacturing and thorough test and validation procedures, which are performed in the company’s test laboratories and at highly respected external institutes.

LEARN MORE

Learn how premium quality condensers from Nissens are a great replacement choice that enables technicians to perform first class AC system repair with a component able to deliver optimal performance and extended durability by visiting: nissens.com/climate

Ring, ring – staycations are calling!

As the summer approaches, many Brits will be thinking about their annual holiday and one that’s been popular since COVID and was also boosted by the fantastic weather last year, is the staycation. This presents the aftermarket with an excellent upselling opportunity, as there are many products and consumables that drivers will need to help them prepare for it. 

Premium quality accessories and consumables manufacturer, Ring, has a wealth of options that are perfect for staycations, including tyre and battery care products, and towing and lighting equipment. 

Car trouble when on holiday is never ideal, which is why many of Ring’s products are compact, so can be easily stored in the vehicle and are also simple to use, so if a problem arises, an immediate solution is close to hand. 

Towing accessories

Many Brits own a caravan, which provides great options for a staycation, but they obviously need quality towing equipment to transport themselves and their caravan from one location to another.

Ring has a comprehensive selection of towing equipment, including plugs and sockets, cables, mirrors, towbars and reflectors, which ensure drivers who tow have all they need to stay safe throughout their journey. 

There are different regulations when towing, so it’s vital that the driver knows and understands these before towing anything. For instance, suitable towing mirrors must be fitted if the trailer or caravan is wider than the rear of the car. Naturally, Ring has a wide selection of towing mirrors, including the RCT1420, which can be adjusted for the clearest possible view to allow the driver to see at least four metres either side of the caravan or trailer, more than meeting the legal requirements.

Tyre care

The correct tyre pressure is incredibly important, so should be checked regularly, but particularly when preparing for a trip, and depending on the distance of the journey, should also be checked on the way. To assist, Ring has a range of gauges for quick pressure checks, but if they need pumping up, it also has a variety of tyre inflators to suit every driver’s need. A particular favourite is the new RTC4000, which is rechargeable, cordless and compact, so can be stored away until needed. It also has a memory function, so the user can save different tyre pressures and activate them easily from the home screen, and has an auto-stop feature, so there’s no risk of over inflating the tyre. 

Finally in the tyre care range, should a puncture occur, instead of the hassle of fitting a spare, especially if the vehicle is on the side of a road or it’s dark, Ring’s tyre sealant kit will quickly get a driver back on the road until they can get to a safe place for a full repair or to change the tyre. 

Battery care

If a driver is camping or has settled in one location for too long, the vehicle’s battery may lose power or even go flat. To help prevent this from happening, Ring’s range of smart chargers can be left connected to a car battery without overcharging. The intelligent charger will know when a battery is fully charged and will switch to a float mode, so will only add charge again as the battery naturally discharges. 

However, if the battery has been allowed to go completely flat, Ring’s compact lithium jumpstarters, the RPPL200 and RPLL300, are ideal. They will jumpstart the vehicle quickly, but are so small, they can be stored them in the vehicle, ready to use if needed again. 

Bulbs

During staycations, it’s likely for people to be driving long hours, that may creep into the night. Therefore, being able to see effectively at night is vital, not just for the driver’s visibility, but for the safety of other road users, especially when travelling on rural roads that may not have streetlights. So, if a bulb needs to be replaced or even upgraded before going on holiday, it would be wise to choose one of premium quality, and as a renowned lighting specialist, Ring can be relied upon to provide the perfect fit, with quality and durability as standard.

However, if a driver is unsatisfied with their current bulb and wants more light on the road, a quick and easy upgrade can be achieved with Ring’s extensive range of halogen upgrade bulbs, such as the Xenon200 or Xenon150, alongside an expansive array of other ECE bulb types to fit all makes and models of vehicle.

Drivers to check their wipers this staycation season

With the popularity of staycations continuing, renowned wiper blade manufacturer, TRICO, is recommending factors and technicians to check wiper blades and upsell them in the summer season.

While wiper blades sales are generally restricted to the colder, winter months, this should not be the case. Wiper blades should be sold all year round, as it’s likely to rain throughout the year, not just in winter!

Staycations have grown in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic, when members of the public were not allowed to travel to different countries, however the trend of staycations has continued and presents factors and technicians with a new upselling opportunity. 

As well as offering ‘winter checks’ workshops and factors should be offering a ‘summer checks’ service to customers and check the basics, such as tyres, wiper blades, washer fluid, bulbs and batteries. 

All  these components are critical to road safety and if a driver is driving a considerable distance to their holiday destination, these should be checked and potentially replaced if there are signs of wear.

Wiper blades are an ‘easy’ upsell, because it’s simple to show drivers the damage, especially if the factor or technician can put the wipers on and demonstrate their ineffective clearing. 

However, for excellent customer service, technicians and factors should sell premium blades to their customers, due to their superior quality and reliability. Helpfully, TRICO is an original equipment (OE) manufacturer for a host of vehicles, has been manufacturing blades for more than 100 years and its ranges are available in the aftermarket.

The complete TRICO range features conventional, beam, hybrid and specialty blades in all lengths, for both front and rear applications, including TRICO Flex, a range that is already proving extremely popular with CAAR members, for example. TRICO Flex is a multi-fit blade, offering 95% vehicle coverage from just 15 SKU’s, making it easy for smaller factors, retailers and garages to stock and sell. TRICO Exact Fit is also popular, with like-for-like OE replacement blades that are simple to install in a matter of seconds.

Valentin Neagu, Product & Technical Support Manager - Wipers AM, said: “Workshops and factors should continue looking for opportunities to upsell products no matter what the weather, and as wiper blades are such a safety critical component, it should be an easy sell. 

“Staycations are so popular, but drivers should be aware of their vehicle’s health and should ensure the most safety crucial components are in good condition before setting off on a long journey. It should only take a few minutes to change wiper blades and it could be the difference between a driver seeing clearly through a storm, or not at all. 

“We recommend changing wiper blades at least once a year, so technicians and factors should have the confidence to discuss the reliability of a driver’s wiper blades and potentially make a sale and ensure they are kept in optimum condition.”

Point S network delivers first IMI Approved course

• Point S Tyre & Autocare has delivered its first bespoke IMI Approved Air Conditioning Service and Maintenance course to its members.

• The network secured IMI Approved Centre Status in March 2023

• “Delivering this course is a major milestone, but it is only the beginning of what we are looking to achieve with our training programme“ – Jon Taylor, Point S UK and European Training Manager

Point S Tyre & Autocare, the UK’s leading independent tyre dealer and car maintenance network, has delivered its first bespoke training course to its network.

The Air Conditioning Service and Maintenance Level 3 course was delivered as part of Point S’ IMI Approved training programme. The objective of the course was to equip technicians within the network the knowledge, skills and confidence to diagnose and repair R134a and R1234yf Air Conditioning systems.

Jon Taylor, Point S UK and European Training Manager, said, “It is fantastic to see the Point S training programme fully underway. I’m delighted that every delegate passed the course and that the feedback on the content, facilities and delivery has been so positive.

“Delivering this course is a major milestone, but it is only the beginning of what we are looking to achieve with our training programme. We are developing new courses to add to our curriculum of class-leading training, and I look forward to sharing further updates on our progress in due course.”

The Point S network received official recognition as an IMI approved centre in March 2023, marking a pivotal step towards its goal of becoming the largest qualified and certified European network for Electric Vehicle (EV) maintenance by 2026.

Opus IVS highlights common air con problems

Opus IVS, leading provider of diagnostics solutions backed by OE master technicians, say their IVS 360™ support team is now receiving many more calls about air con issues with the mercury finally rising during May after a cool spring.

“It’s a very consistent yearly pattern,” said Tony Gill, Customer Support Manager for UK and ROW at Opus IVS. “The arrival of warm weather and sunshine – which took a while this year – sees motorists turning the air con on again or just noticing that it’s not working when the weather warms.”

Opus IVS highlights five common air con issues to look out for below:

1.               Refrigerant loss and leakage

Car air con systems permeate refrigerant naturally due to high pressures, vibration and the physical joints in the system. The rate of loss can increase when the system is not used over winter. Pinpointing leaks is often difficult. Opus IVS says hose unit connections are a common culprit. Fixes can include sealants or replacement of o-ring seals or components.

2.               Blocked or damaged condenser

The condenser is located at the front of the vehicle and relies on airflow to remove heat from the refrigerant gas so that condensation occurs back into a liquid state. The placement of the condenser, as well as the small air gaps, make it susceptible to blockage from dust and debris, preventing it from cooling the refrigerant properly.

When blocked, the air con system will blow warm air. Fortunately, the condenser is often easy to visually check. Condensers can also be punctured by stones or suffer pin hole leaks from internal or external corrosion. In these cases, a replacement will be required.

3.               Electrical issues

Electrical issues can be the most difficult problems to diagnose on air con systems. Visually check wires for breaks, insulation damage or corrosion and make a suitable repair or replacement as necessary. Electrical components like fuses, relays, switches and sensors can all become faulty too leading to trouble codes, system failure or intermittent cooling issues.

4.               Faulty fans or blower motors

Electrical condenser fans maintain air flow when the vehicle is stationary. If they don’t function properly the system will start to blow warm air, particularly in hotter ambient conditions. A visual inspection of fan operation should include checking fan blades for cracks or damage which, along with blown fuses, can be a common problem.

The blower motor and fan that circulates air through the vehicle can fail as well. The causes of reduced airflow at the vents could be a motor problem, broken fan blades or motor resistor issues.

5.               Compressor failure

The compressor is at the heart of the air con system, pressurising and circulating refrigerant. Lubricating oil is carried around the system with the refrigerant meaning that long periods where the air con is not used or low refrigerant levels can starve the compressor of oil. Regular use of the air con system is therefore always recommended.

Common signs of a failing compressor include noise, poor cooling, or the air con system not engaging at all. Compressor failure can spread metal debris within the air con system, requiring a thorough system flush before another compressor is fitted.

“Air con work is arriving into garages in greater volumes,” said Tony. “We often find simple checks like these, whilst also referencing diagnostic data such as temperate pressure charts and interpreting high and low side gauge pressure readings will often diagnose problems.”

The Opus IVS 360™ team offers live repair guidance thanks to a team of over 40 brand-specific OE trained master technicians. The aim is to support independent garages by accurately identifying more first-time fixes.

The company’s flagship DrivePro™ Elite is a diagnostic tablet offering a remote services VCI and coverage for 64 brands with IVS 360™ support included.

Garages wishing to find out more can do so now at https://www.opusivs-uk.com/products/mechanical-repair/drivepro-elite-diagnostic-kit/.