Visit to dealer for brake fluid. Should I do aircon at same time?

[whodat]

Well, the 2 year brake fluid change is coming up, and as I have an 'All in' plan, thought it best to keep them happy.
The dealer is offering to re-gas/service aircon for £230 (think that is before VAT). It is working well at the moment and can assume it hasn't been done since it left the factory although I changed the fiddly filter last year.
Or ok to get it done anywhere else or just wait for it to stop working as efficiently then get it seen to?

(Thanks in advance) - Still feel like a noob with the servicing plans etc. The small print is longer than the rest of the contract.
T6.1
22plate
DNAA

 

[Dellmassive]

I had mine done. At the time.

But didn't make any noticeable difference.

But as you say, best to keep them happy when you have the extended warranty.

Though saying that. I doubt it would be a problem if you politely declined the offer.... The AC is a sealed system, if it works, then you are good.... But .... The refrigerant contains oil that lubricated the compressor, so it does need changing at some point.

You can get it done else where, provided..... It's at a vat garage, they use OEM equivalent parts, they do it as per the own manual....(Example change an superfluous bolts or whatever). And you all the details on the invoice.

If you want to be 100% watertight with the All-in then let VW do it, but be cheaky ask for a discount. - if you don't ask, you don't get.

Or get it else where cheaper, as above.

Or don't get it done yet - but run the risk of any warranty related claims being refused.

......

I personally, while under the 6years warranty/s let them do all the servicing and extras as they poped up... Knowing that at any point VW would be fully responsible for any covered warranty work.

Though at the time All-in didn't note cover Oil leaks....when my cran main seal started leaking, I was in year 5 and still within the factory extended warranty... So they covered it.

 

[DXX]

My 2016 van has never had any AC work, it runs constantly as VW recommends. Carista shows the pressures are good.
It’s just another £ generator

 

[Dellmassive]

My 2016 van has never had any AC work, it runs constantly as VW recommends. Carista shows the pressures are good.
It’s just another £ generator

Very true and all good....

But the oil in your system is now 10years old. That's lubricating the compressor pistons.

At what point you see fit to regas/oil it?

Time in years?, time in hours use?

 

[Dellmassive]

Google Foo......

Car air conditioning systems typically need a recharge (or "regas") every 2 to 3 years to maintain efficiency, as refrigerant gas naturally permeates through the system over time. While many manufacturers suggest a biennial service, you may not need it that often if the AC still blows cold.
RAC
RAC
+3


Signs Your AC Needs a Recharge
Reduced Cooling: Air from the vents is not as cold as it used to be.
Longer Cool-Down Times: The cabin takes too long to reach a comfortable temperature.


Visible Leaks: Hissing sounds or visible oil residue on pipes indicate a leak.
No Clutch Engagement: The AC compressor clutch does not click on when activated.
RAC
RAC
+4


Key Considerations
It's Not Oil: Unlike engine oil, you do not need to recharge the AC regularly unless it is leaking or the gas has dissipated over several years.


System Maintenance: Regular use of the AC (even in winter) helps prevent seals from drying out and leaking.


Service vs. Repair: A "regas" only fills the gas. If your AC loses coldness again within a few months, you likely have a leak that requires a repair, not just a refill.


Cabin Filter: A clogged cabin filter can also cause poor performance, which is often mistaken for low gas.
Reddit
Reddit
+4

 

[JOG]

The real question is whether the dealer is proposing a re-gas or a service of the aircon! For a re-gas, that’s bloomin expensive.

 

[whodat]

Thank you for the replies.
Yes - think it was AC service. Will have a chat with them when I go in and see what they do and go from there.
Cheers

 

[Dellmassive]

I would assume that AC service, would just be a regas.

I mean apart from that what exactly would they do? a

 

[whodat]

Don't quite know but it must be VW gas at that price.

 

[Sasquatch]

If it's working fine and doesn't smell like Dellmassive's sock drawer id be inclined to pass on having anything done to the AC.

Cabin filter is a very easy DIY job if its not been changed in living memory.

 

[JOG]

Don't quite know but it must be VW gas at that price.

My local indie told me that the gas costs less than 10p!

 

[whodat]

Dell's sock drawer smells of roses I am told.
Yeah - will probably give it a miss.
Cheers.

 

[Dellmassive]

I'll get you a picture later....

 

[Salty Spuds]

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, and certainly don’t pay £230 quid for it to be not fixed. If you think that having the aircon serviced will have any sway on how future warranty claims are handled, then step this way, I have a most beautiful fully working Betamax video recorder I’m sure you’ll be interested in.
Ps. Our 9yr old van has never had the aircon serviced, apart from an annual disinfection/de-odourising that I carry oy with a £5 quid “bomb” from Euro Car Parts.

 

[JOG]

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, and certainly don’t pay £230 quid for it to be not fixed. If you think that having the aircon serviced will have any sway on how future warranty claims are handled, then step this way, I have a most beautiful fully working Betamax video recorder I’m sure you’ll be interested in.
Ps. Our 9yr old van has never had the aircon serviced, apart from an annual disinfection/de-odourising that I carry oy with a £5 quid “bomb” from Euro Car Parts.

^^ exactly wot ee said!

 

[DXX]

I would assume that AC service, would just be a regas.

I mean apart from that what exactly would they do? a

Vacuum out, dryer renewal, pressure test and re-charge. In reality if it was working when it went in quite possibly nothing and just create and invoice.

 

[GPB]

For info I've just had Halfords mobile fully regas my aircon witb R134a (after I replaced grille, low temp. Radiator and condensor following a bird strike) for £76.

 

[Phil_j89]

My local indie told me that the gas costs less than 10p!

The gas (especially yf in the newer vans) is massively expensive.

 

[whodat]

VW Gas is probably the most expensivest in the world.
Well - it worked ok in the summer (last week), so good till next summer hopefully (next February for a few days the way things are going) so as advised - not going to get it done till it stops working as well as it currently does.
Cools the dogs down in a couple of minutes. Can't beat that.