The automotive servicing and repair company says it carried out three times the number of aircon recharges last week when compared with both the previous week and the equivalent period last year.

Research carried out for Kwik Fit has revealed that the average British drivers likes to set their car’s aircon at 18.7°C. This compares to temperatures of 36.7°C seen in some parts of the country last week. 

The firm added that the reason that many cars’ systems were struggling to cope may be because the systems have not been maintained as often as they should. 

In response, Kwik Fit has provided some advice to help drivers keep their aircon in peak condition:

• Use it regularly – turn on the air con for at least ten minutes every week of the year.  This will help keep the system lubricated and stop seals from drying out
• Give it a hand – if possible, on very hot days leave the windows open a little when parked – reducing the heat build up in the car in the first place will lower the burden on the air con system
• Don’t neglect it in winter – using the air con will clear fogged windscreens more quickly – using the system all year round will help maintain its effectiveness
• Recharge the system regularly – unlike in a building’s air conditioning system, around 10-15% of the gas inside a car’s aircon system leaks out every year due to its inherent movement.   So even if a system doesn’t have a leak, drivers should have it serviced and recharged, most manufacturers recommend doing this every two years

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “Air con systems can make driving a lot more comfortable – particularly with the weather we’ve been having. It’s important not to neglect air con maintenance – these don’t get automatically covered by a car’s annual service, so it can be easy to forget.  Regular use and servicing will help avoid the risk of expensive repair bills.”