#1 Visit an ARC-tick Certified Mechanic
Back in 2005, the Federal Government introduced a scheme that requires all mechanics involved in the servicing, repair and re-gas of vehicle air conditioning to hold additional certification.
Once certified, the public can be assured that the mechanic working on their car has been formally trained and accredited. In addition, they must also adhere to the mandatory environmental requirements when replacing and/or disposing of refrigerant.
Jason is the newest member of the St Marys Tyre and Wheel Centre team. As an ARC-tick certified mechanic he’s ready to help you stay cool this coming summer.
#2 Book-In for an Air Conditioning Health Check
Now you know that St Marys Tyre and Wheel Centre can look after your air conditioning needs, Book-In to have your vehicle‘s air conditioning system checked out and given a clean bill of health.
Did you know that most manufacturers recommend that you have your A/C system checked at least once every 12 months? This is to ensure that you receive the benefits of it operating at its peak.
#3 Check for Leaks
As a holder of an ARC-tick certification, when re-gassing your vehicle’s air conditioner it’s unlawful to do so before properly checking the system for any leaks.
Should any leaks be found, they must first be repaired before any additional refrigerant can be added to your car’s A/C system.
The Keeping Cool in Your Car brochure states that topping up an air conditioner with fluorocarbon refrigerant which is leaking gas, without first repairing the leak, is not allowed under the Australian Codes of Practice for refrigerant handling.
#4 Check the Entire A/C System
Checking the refrigerant level is only one item that needs to be checked before re-gassing your vehicle’s air conditioner. As already mentioned above, any identified leaks also need to be repaired.
You may not be able to see the leak, but when your A/C system is struggling to function properly, that’s a sign that there could be a refrigerant leakage. This is predominantly the case in many older vehicles.
At St Marys Tyre and Wheel Centre, we have the expertise and the tools to detect any leaks. In addition, your air conditioning system will also have the following checked ...
• air vent temperature,
• condenser temperature,
• suction line temperature,
• drive belts and pulleys,
• hoses,
• valve and thermostat operation.
#5 Re-gassing Your Vehicle’s Air Conditioner
Rather than assuming that re-gassing your vehicle’s air conditioner will immediately fix your cooling dilemma, at St Marys Tyre and Wheel Centre, we will check your entire system to ensure that it’s in perfect working order and is fit to be re-gassed.
The vast majority of car owners pay very little attention to their air conditioning and/or climate control systems. As you can see, it’s not very difficult or expensive to take good care of your vehicle’s air conditioning system. With a little TLC, your A/C unit can stay efficient and dependable and save you from the trauma of having to drive a mobile sauna on those hot summer days.
Safe motoring ... see you in-store soon!
