Car heat wave warning for anyone who doesn't use air con in winter
Experts at FixMyCar found that many drivers are confused about how their air con works and most car services don't include a regas by default. Matt Wrankmore, Head of Garage Network at FixMyCar explains that a quick 45 minute garage visit can take your air conditioning from mild to ice cold.
He said: 'Many drivers expect their car's air conditioning to just work when they need it to. However, the air conditioning system uses refrigerant gas and a compressor to cool the air in the cabin. Few people realise that over 10% of refrigerant gas escapes naturally every year, which means the cooling system's power drops significantly over time.
"This is where the need for an air con regas comes in. Having the system 'regassed', essentially refilling the refrigerant gas, will have an instant effect on your car's air conditioning and will get you back to pleasantly cool journeys on our few scorching hot days this summer.'
Car interiors are excellent at trapping and storing heat, making uncomfortable places if you don't have a functioning cooling system particularly if you're unaware of what air conditioning requires.
The site found that 28% of drivers didn't know that the air conditioning system in their car needed to be regassed in order to stay cold. A further 1 in 10 (9.7%) drivers assumed it would be done as part of a Full Service.
Many car services don't include an air con regas so you'll need to book it separately. According to data from FixMyCar, an Air Con Regas costs £72.64 on average.
Most manufacturers recommend getting your air conditioning system regassed every two years to ensure it's always at an optimal cold temperature. According to the poll, almost a third of drivers are unsure when they last had an air con regas.
Matt added: 'Another little-known fact is that a lack of use of your air conditioning could also exacerbate the problem. A car's air conditioning system has an oil in it that lubricates the seals and compressor to keep it functioning smoothly when in use. However not using the air conditioning frequently can cause the seals and compressor to harden or shrink which can then cause damage that results in larger refrigerant leaks down the line.
"This is a particular problem for Brits. As we only get a few really hot days a year many of us don't use our air conditioning as often as we should. So, my best advice to drivers who want to maintain their cooling system better is to turn on your air conditioning regularly, even in winter – as crazy as that sounds!'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Blue Badge holders will soon be able to park in new location after rule change
The Department for Transport has issued an update on the use of Blue Badges in Europe, meaning UK drivers with a disability can use their parking permits abroad Blue Badge holders might soon be able to use their permits abroad, thanks to a proposed overhaul by the Labour Party government. The Department for Transport has refreshed its guidance just in time for the peak of the summer holiday rush this week. The latest word from Labour gives the green light for UK drivers with disability parking permits to be welcomed in over 25 European nations. This could spell good news for approximately 2.8 million Blue Badge holders planning a jaunt overseas. Countries rolling out the scheme for Brits include Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden, all giving the thumbs up to the badges. Switzerland is also on board, though it asks visitors to pair the badge with a parking clock when they park up. Denmark is happy to accept British Blue Badges but insists on the use of a parking disc, while Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, and Romania are open to parking cards from outside the EU as well, although France may turn up its nose at non-EU permits, reports Birmingham Live. The DfT advised: "We recommend that you carry any supporting documentation that may be required, such as a doctor's note or a translation of your Blue Badge, especially when travelling to countries with stricter parking rules." When it comes to Spain, UK Blue Badge recognition is a local affair, says the DfT. Those with disabilities have the opportunity to snag, renew, or hold special driving licences based on necessary adaptations, restrictions, or other conditions related to individuals, vehicles, or traffic situations. Drivers from other nations, navigating Spanish roads, must adhere to the stipulations outlined in their driving licences, Spain asserts. The statement said: "Wheelchair users, People with walking difficulty, People with vision impairment, People with mental health issues, learning disabilities. "The parking card is granted to people for which an impossibility to perform by themselves a number of basic vital tasks has been certified. Please note that parking cards might be granted to people with no driver license." Parking concessions differ in each country, the DfT notes, with information accessible via parking card for people with disabilities in the European Union, and the FIA guide for the disabled traveller: using parking permits, cards and placards in the EU and EEA. Once official, this will make it easier for people with or without visible disabilities to park in places close to where they are, without having to worry about finding suitable parking.
South Wales Argus
18 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
European countries Blue Badges can be recognised for parking
If heading to the likes of Portugal or Croatia soon, your Blue Badge could make parking that little bit easier when heading out to explore. However, advises that before visiting a country, you should always check whether it recognises the UK Blue Badge. It explains: 'Some countries may require you to display a local parking notice as well as your Blue Badge.' Popular countries in Europe where Blue Badges could be used Let's take a look at just some of the most popular countries in Europe where your Blue Badge could be recognised: Austria Belgium Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark - you must use a parking disc (clock) if using parking time concessions Estonia Finland Germany Hungary Ireland Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Sweden Switzerland - you must use a parking disc (clock) if using parking time concessions says France 'may not recognise non-EU issued parking cards' while in Italy 'non-EU parking cards accepted in some regions only'. You can see the full list of European countries where Blue Badges are recognised for parking on the website. Blue Badge user rules UK travellers can also find links to each country's rules when it comes to parking for disabled people and Blue Badges. states: 'Even in countries that recognise the Blue Badge, parking rules can vary in different parts of the country. Rules can also change, and some countries may have changed their rules since the pages linked to this guidance page were published (June 26). 'You should research local parking regulations or get in touch with the relevant local authority for specific information. 'Local tourist information centres can also provide advice on parking rules for disabled people and may tell you about any specific requirements or restrictions in the area you are visiting.' Recommended reading: adds: 'We recommend that you carry any supporting documentation that may be required, such as a doctor's note or a translation of your Blue Badge, especially when travelling to countries with stricter parking rules.' When parking in European countries, Brits should always look for any signage indicating disabled parking spaces. Additionally, make sure that your Blue Badge is displayed correctly and that you comply with any additional requirements, such as displaying a parking disc in countries such as Denmark.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Car finance can boost your credit score and help build positive payment history for future lenders
Lenders tend to favour borrowers with a diverse credit mix as it proves that they are able to manage different types of loans. A recent survey suggests people across Great Britain are the least likely in Europe to think about their credit score, with nearly half of adults (46%) not even aware of their current financial rating. Having good credit worthiness can pave the way to many useful benefits, including access to better borrowing terms, lower interest rates, and improved chances of successful loan applications. According to the latest statistics, an estimated one-in-five Brits have a poor credit rating. However, the good news is that there are several ways to improve your score, including taking out car finance. Money experts at vehicle finance company First Response Finance, have shared how it can boost your credit score, establish credit history, build a positive payment footprint and more. It's important to be aware that this is obviously a high value purchase on credit, there are other ways to improve your credit score such as getting on the electoral register - which more people may have already done in order to cast their vote in last week's general election. Establish credit history One of the most appealing benefits of taking out car finance is that it can help establish a longer credit history. This is especially true for those motorists who are new to credit or have a limited credit history. First Response Finance explained: "Buying a car is often one of the first significant investments you make, particularly if you've passed your test at a young age and are looking to hit the road as soon as you get hold of your driving licence. 'There's a chance that, at this stage of your life, you may have limited credit history - or no history at all. In this scenario, a car loan can kickstart your credit profile, making it easier for you in the future to obtain other forms of credit. 'In fact, length of credit history is an important factor in the eyes of a lender, and it can actually make up 15 to 20 per cent of your credit score.' Build a positive payment history As well as helping (younger) drivers get on the credit ladder, taking out car finance allows you to build a positive payment history. Sticking to your monthly instalments and making on-time payments will work wonders on your credit rating, as it shows you have the ability to manage and keep up with your bills. This is something that future lenders will consider carefully when deciding whether to give you a loan or not. Ultimately, finance providers are more likely to lend you money if they can see that you've been able to keep up with regular payments in the past. Demonstrate financial responsibility In line with what's been said above, adhering to your monthly instalments in a timely fashion and building a positive payment history through car finance will help you demonstrate financial responsibility and creditworthiness. First Response Finance said: 'Successfully managing a car loan will show that you're a reliable borrower. It indicates that you're able to meet deadlines and respect agreement terms, meaning you aren't a risk to credit lenders. "Reliability and responsibility are things that finance providers take into serious consideration when evaluating an application. A good track record of timely payments can make the difference between a successful and rejected loan request. 'Demonstrating trustworthiness by fulfilling your car finance payments can be extremely beneficial if you plan to apply for other types of credit, such as personal loans or mortgages.' Show a diverse credit mix A 'credit mix' refers to different types of loans you've taken out. In short, there are two forms of credit - instalment and revolving. The former consists in loans that have fixed monthly repayments and a set end date, such as car finance. The latter, instead, is a type of loan that has a minimum monthly repayment figure but no specific end date or balance (i.e., credit cards). Credit scoring models tend to favour borrowers with a diverse credit mix, as it proves that they're able to manage different types of loans and credits. Taking out car finance and adding instalment credit to your file can help you improve your credit ranking and better your 'reputation' in the eyes of potential lenders.
