The vehicle air conditioning business is a multi million Euro market, with an estimated 70% of A/C service and repair business, still going through the main dealer. DENSO are currently encouraging independent garages to take a fresh look and what air-conditioning service and repair could bring to their business.  

Almost all modern cars are equipped with air-conditioning and the system needs regular service and maintenance to operate at its best and importantly, refrigerant must be recharged, as insufficient refrigerant is the most common source of failure. If the system does fail it will mean expensive repair, something that can be avoided through basic servicing. The comfort of driver and passengers also needs to be taken into account, as a poorly performing system can lead to in-car discomfort and even ill health, as impurities build up in the system.

DENSO say that when performing maintenance, it is vital to use the correct tools, equipment, quality components and consumables such as refrigerant, oils and O-rings. A thorough A/C service will take between 45 and 90 minutes using the proper specialist tools.

When it comes to replacement components, DENSO’s A/C aftermarket ranges feature a wide range of A/C Compressors, both belt driven and electric. These compressors come filled with the right amount of oil and are delivered as complete assemblies. The range also includes eight electric compressor part references, covering Toyota and Lexus Hybrid vehicles. Over all, the range offers excellent coverage with 400 part numbers covering over 2,500 applications.

A wide range of DENSO A/C Condensers is also available including Dual Flow, Triple Flow, Multi Flow and Super Cool variations. The full condenser range consists of 370 part numbers covering over 2,800 applications.

With the right equipment and training, independent garages can start to unlock the huge business potential that A/C service and repair can offer. The initial investment does not have to be huge and a return on that investment can be made quickly.

As we head towards the summer months, now is a good time to take a fresh look at A/C service potential. It is also worth remembering, that with the latest climate control and A/C technology, the A/C system is used year round, which means that A/C servicing is certainly no longer just seasonal.