Keep cool with Carcraft Autocentres

Motorists who tend to suffer from a cold in the height of summer could find the reason lurking in their car’s air conditioning system.

It is obvious that motorists use air conditioning more in the summer, but leaving it dormant during the winter months can allow bacteria and mould to build up in the system. This can lead to unpleasant odours and can also spread the bacteria through the car when the air conditioning is switched back on.

Research from the USA by Robert Simmons PhD has found that the bacteria can lead to potential health problems. He said: “If you're allergic to these, you can have an allergy attack; if you have a mould sensitivity or asthma, they can bring on an asthma attack.”

Nigel Clarke, manager of Carcraft Autocentres, the car servicing arm of Carcraft, said: “Air conditioning can be just as important in winter as it is in the summer. With the temperature turned up, the air from your air conditioning system will be warm and dry, which helps with de-misting cold, wet windscreens. Using it all year round will help maintain the system and keep it in better shape.

“There are a variety of other problems that can occur with air conditioning, which need to be checked out by qualified engineers. The system needs to be cleansed every year to avoid the build-up of bacteria. Also, the gas within the system will need recharging every two or three years, and will not normally be part of a regular car service. This gas needs to be disposed of in accordance with health and safety regulations, so this is definitely a job for trained technicians. Carcraft Autocentres, offers a comprehensive air conditioning check to ensure yours is working at optimum condition.”