Unused air con potential problem

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Unused air con potential problem

New Car Net - UK*

20.05.2008

http://www.newcarnet.co.uk/Auto_news.html?id=8012

Motorists attempting to offset rising fuel prices by leaving off the

air con could increase the risk of a multi-million pound repair bill.

The warning comes from car warranty specialist, Warranty Direct.

Air-Con should be switched on at least once a week to help reduce

the build up of fungal spores such as Cladosporium and Aspergillus,

which multiply within a car's ventilation while it isn't being used.

However, as the price of a gallon of unleaded passes the £5 mark,

motorists are more likely to use their air con more sparingly.

Air con raises fuel consumption by around 10% on average, depending

on the type of vehicle.

According to research, the build up of bacterial spores in the air

vents can cause health problems, particularly for those already

suffering from asthma, when the system is finally used again.

Those without allergies may notice a damp, stale smell each time the

air con is switched on.

At the same time, failure to regularly use the air con increases the

likelihood of mechanical failure. Prolonged periods of non-use can

cause parts to seize or corrode.

Data shows that air con accounts for 1 in 20 failures with Warranty

Direct estimating that motorists will be left with a £177m bill at

an average of £555 a time.

For example, the cost of replacing the condenser on a Volkswagen

Golf will cost £620 for the part and approximately £140 for labour.