Air conditioning service - worth it?

[mullermn]

Hi,

After I had the car serviced in November the VW dealer started a campaign of harassment (I'm kidding, but they were damn persistent) to get my to have my air conditioning serviced at a charge of £79.

If the dealer is so keen to do it I'm assuming it's a simple job with a big markup on it - is there any reason to go for VW for this rather than Kwik Fit/local garage?

Thanks,
Andy

[AntGTD]

Don't go to Kwikfit for anything unless you want to be ripped off and your car damaged.

£79 is steep, get a price from and indie or Seat dealer (they tend to be cheaper) and get your garage to price match. My local, Peter Cooper normally offer an aircon service for £39.99.

[vw spur]

Air con systems can breed germs I think so it could be beneficial on that score getting it done, but as for the dealer, tell him you can get it done for a lower amount elsewhere and if they price match they can do the job, might be worthwhile getting done for £40-£50

[Jackie Treehorn]

I would be surprised if a MK7 needs it yet.

On what basis did they suggest a "service"? What I mean is, what was the criteria that led them to that conclusion?  I doubt it was stipulated by VW after xxxx miles/years so I guess the service desk just like to make quick easy money.  Unless they confirmed a leak (which should be covered by warranty anyway)  I can't see a reason for a service, but I could be wrong

I would list these as the basics
1: Do you use the AC frequently? 
2: Does it get to the required temp quickly,
3: Does it blow cold when required? 


If the answer is yes, I would save the money. 

[robtt]

Go onto YouTube and search "car air on service" .Simple home job unless you need a regass of course !

[p3asa]

I would be surprised if a MK7 needs it yet.

I'm sure they claim its every 2 years!

Certainly when I took our Audi in for its 2 year service I was asked if I wanted it done.

[monkeyhanger]

If the output doesn't have a funny smell and is cold then save your money. They used to recommend every 3 years, now it's 2. Why fix something that isn't broken?

[Jackie Treehorn]

I would be surprised if a MK7 needs it yet.

I'm sure they claim its every 2 years!

Certainly when I took our Audi in for its 2 year service I was asked if I wanted it done.

I bet you were! its a great money spinner for the dealers 

It doesn't mean it needed it though. If it works, and you can answer yes to the 3 basic questions I would leave it alone.  If they are asking you whether you want it done, they are relying on customers to just say "yes" its a service, it must need it! 

[Mk7-GTD]

If the output doesn't have a funny smell and is cold then save your money. They used to recommend every 3 years, now it's 2. Why fix something that isn't broken?

Would it have anything to do with most people changing their cars every 3 years? If it is every 3 years and you change your car after 3 years then they have to do it before they sell the car again. If it is every 2 years then they make money.

The worst thing you can do with aircon is not use it. A lot of people don't use their aircon in the winter because they think it has no use. That is when bacteria can build up in the system and you get a bad smell from it.

[SRGTD]

If the output doesn't have a funny smell and is cold then save your money. They used to recommend every 3 years, now it's 2. Why fix something that isn't broken?

Would it have anything to do with most people changing their cars every 3 years? If it is every 3 years and you change your car after 3 years then they have to do it before they sell the car again. If it is every 2 years then they make money.

The worst thing you can do with aircon is not use it. A lot of people don't use their aircon in the winter because they think it has no use. That is when bacteria can build up in the system and you get a bad smell from it.

I leave mine on 24/7. Leaving it on all the time also reduces the risk of the seals drying out and getting leaks.