[jaycee7]

I was previously advised by a Citroen main dealer that the air con system on my car needed servicing every two years. I no longer use this dealer but my local RAC approved garage.

When I booked my service and MOT I requested an air con service. When I came to collect the car I was told the air con was working well and a service was not necessary. They were very busy on the day and short staffed I believe so this may have been for their convenience rather than mine.

I just wondered if there are any recommendations for air con maintenance.

I have a Citroen Berlingo Multispace 2017 model.

[Motman]

I can’t see any point in checking the fluid - if it works, it’s got the correct pressure in it. What I do do though is make sure my cabin filter is replaced every year and occasionally I will set off one of those air conditioning 'bombs' in the cabin. Basically put the aircon on full power and in recirculating mode and set off an air conditioning aerosol and place it in the passenger footwell to sterilise the system and kill any bacteria.

[Santa]

The RAC says that "When your car’s air-con is given a service, the technician should check the system’s lubricant level and replace the old refrigerant gas with new gas up to the required level.
They should also perform a vacuum test to check for any cracks or leaks that could prevent your air-con [from] working in the future."

They also say, "Most manufacturers recommend you service your car’s air-con every two years or so, but many people wait until it’s not blowing cold air."

I take the latter course, but I do use it for demisting in the winter too. I am told that a lot of problems occur when the system is left unused for several months. A service costs at least £60 and up to £200, depending on which gas it uses.

[ozzy54]

While the previous advice from the Citroen main dealer suggested servicing every two years, you should note that different factors can influence the need for servicing, such as usage patterns, environmental conditions, and overall system performance.


In your recent experience with the local RAC approved garage, they assessed your air conditioning system and informed you that it was functioning well, indicating that a service was not necessary at that time. It is possible that their assessment was based on the condition of the system and their workload on the day, prioritizing essential tasks.
However, it's always a good idea to inquire further to understand their reasoning behind not recommending a service and if there are any specific indicators to monitor or timeframes to consider for future maintenance.

[NMNeil]

@Santa Refrigerant gas doesn't wear out, so no need to replace it.
There is no way to check the lubricant level, even by draining the system as some will always be left in the evaporator, condenser and lines.
The best way to check for leaks is to have UV dye in the system. Pull a vacuum and all you will see is the pressure rise when the vacuum is turned off, it won't show where the leak is, just that you have a leak.

[KieranMurray]

Checking the power steering fluid may not be necessary if it's functioning properly. However, maintaining the cabin filter and occasionally using an air conditioning aerosol to sterilize the system are good practices for a healthy car interior.

[Motman]

Originally Posted by KieranMurray

Checking the power steering fluid may not be necessary if it's functioning properly. .

I should think not - the power steering has got nothing to do with the air conditioning!

[jamesduncan]

From experience, the best approach is a mix of following manufacturer guidance and paying attention to how the system is performing in day-to-day use. Many garages recommend every two years because the refrigerant and lubricant levels can gradually drop, even if the air con still feels cold. The issue is that once gas levels get too low, the compressor has to work harder, which can shorten its lifespan.

Another point to consider is hygiene. Even if the system cools properly, moisture inside the evaporator can lead to bacterial buildup over time, which is why some workshops suggest cleaning treatments in addition to checking gas and pressure levels.

For a 2017 Berlingo, if it’s still blowing cold and clear, you probably don’t need an urgent service right now but scheduling one every couple of years can save you bigger repair costs later on.

[olduser]

I think there is some confusion over Aircon service.

First the mechanical bits - they are very close in design to your fridge, how often doe's that get serviced? Most likely never, because it is a sealed system.
Of course the risk of leaks developing in a vehicle are much higher, get a leak, loose the gas, no aircon. Simple!

Note cost of 'service' after a leak, the cheapest will - remove the remains of the gas and air left behind, and replace with a fresh charge of gas if it is possible to pump down to a vacume, but the leak is not fixed nor is the oil replaced.

The most expensive service should do all of the above + top up the oil + remove water + if they are very good replace the dryer in the system. (If the refrigerant can leak out then air and water can leak in both prevent the system working hence there is a dryer in the system)

The other Aircon Service.
Kill off the bacteria in the air ducts, and if your lucky, change the Pollen or Cabin Air Filter.

The air coming in from outside (through the pollen/cabin filter) to be chilled will be warm and therefore will be carrying water vapour, when it meets the evaporator (the remover of heat) of the air con the air cools, and cannot carry the water, the water collects, and runs off the evaporator some will splash the inside of the air duct, bacteria like to be wet, and some some of them don't smell too good, they also can form into a slime and block the evaporator air passages.
It these bacteria the aircon service sets out to destroy.
It is usual to use a strong detergent with antibacterial properties such that when it dries it leaves an antibacterial coating.
Or it can be achieved as Motman has described above.

[Rolebama]

My first car with air con ran for at least 10yrs with no attention whatsoever. I had it for 4yrs, and I sold it to a friend, who had it for 6yrs. I did all the service and repair work during that time, and never any problems with the air con. I had friends with American muscle cars who also ran the cars with no air con problems. However, all these cars were built in the 60s and early 70s. Nowadays, I have owned my current car for 6yrs and have had no problem with the air con, pushing 190,000 miles.
As to costs, the only repairs I am aware of being needed is to replace pipes and hoses. This is very much cheaper than having it services every 2yrs. The exception to this may be the cost of a new pump, but I have never personally heard of a pump failure.
Food for thought.

[olduser]

I agree with you Rolebama there is nothing to service, the bacteria does depend what drainage arrangements are built into the aircon, and the slime thing appears to be a matter of luck.

I have only looked at aircon's for neighbours to decide for them, did it need attention?

The sort of things I found were damage to the Condenser, (stone's?) rigid pipes cracked at condenser, slime (bacteria?)in Evaporator restricting airflow, leak at filling valve - cap was missing, and worn pipes where they had been rubbing, failed clutch. Oh, and one I didn't see but the flexible pipes had rubbed a hole in the condenser but that car had been modified.

I have never come across a failed pump but I do remember some one telling me when he went to a garage with a failed clutch, he was told that the pump and clutch had to be replaced as one unit!?

[emmacampbell]

It’s generally true that air conditioning systems don’t need frequent servicing unless there’s a noticeable drop in cooling efficiency or unusual noise. However, regular maintenance can prevent issues before they become expensive repairs. Most experts still recommend a full service every two years, especially if the vehicle is used frequently or in hot, humid conditions.

In my experience, even when the air con seems to be working fine, a technician may discover a slow refrigerant leak or low lubricant levels that aren’t obvious yet. A trusted service provider emphasizes preventive care, including system cleaning, leak detection, and proper gas top-ups to keep the compressor running efficiently. This approach helps maintain consistent cooling performance and extends the overall life of the system.

For your Citroen Berlingo, having it checked every couple of years sounds reasonable, but a quick annual inspection during your regular service visit is also a smart way to stay ahead of potential issues.