Why AC systems should never be overlooked

31 July 2025  

Whether it’s a hybrid, fully-electric or a traditional combustion engine powered vehicle, the air conditioning system mustn’t be overlooked, says Nissens Automotive.

The subject of air conditioning (AC) continues to be a source of both pleasure and pain to independent workshops. For those with a good grasp of the fundamentals and the necessary equipment to assist them, it’s a great revenue stream and a way to set their businesses apart, but for those that don’t have the required knowledge, it remains a bit of a mystery and can potentially leave them out of pocket.

For workshops in the second camp, this is a tragedy because whereas only as recently as a decade ago AC was often still an optional extra on many new cars, nowadays it’s a standard feature, irrespective of whether it’s powered by a traditional combustion engine, is fully-electric or one form of hybrid solution that falls in between.

Although workshops are generally confident to tackle almost any mechanical work, even modern double clutch systems, for example, many are wary of AC work, so either turn these enquiries away, or attempt to cover off the subject by simply offering an AC re-gassing service, which is often, at best, a short term fix to a deeper underlying issue.

As a market leader in replacement AC systems and the components that are within them, Nissens is always willing to go the extra mile and assist workshops by supplementing its comprehensive product range, with technical advice and training that can help workshops tap into the profit potential of AC service and repair.

Critical parts

With a system comprising so many components, it’s difficult to go into the fine detail of them all, but the condenser is one of the most critical parts as it maintains the correct performance parameters of the refrigerant and keeps the overall system working properly, so needs to be regularly and carefully checked whenever the vehicle enters the workshop.

The condenser is also relatively fragile, and its position at the front of the vehicle exposes it to harsh conditions such as de-icing salts used in the winter, which can quickly lead to corrosion, causing the condenser’s surface to deteriorate and leak. Furthermore, mechanical damage from careless service, insects or dust, and other debris from the road can limit the condenser’s heat exchange performance.

Even if the part seems to be okay and is still partially working, a condenser in poor condition can lead to costly system failure, such as damage to, or even complete seizure of, the compressor. That is why it is advisable to perform condenser inspection during regular car and AC system service.

Overall then, condenser failures are common, so its impact on the efficiency of the system should therefore not be ignored. Any signs of damage or sub-standard performance require the need to determine the root cause and, if necessary, its replacement. Should a replacement be required, it is advisable to consider only appropriate quality products, as this will secure long and optimised system performance and help to avoid repeat repairs.

Equally important to workshops as quality products and the depth of the range, is technical support and here Nissens also has the options covered. The company shares its expertise of the complete AC system, including maintenance, troubleshooting, and component installation. Its technical insights cover the latest technology trends and include electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid car thermal management systems.

Training

This technical support is easily accessible in various forms from online assets to highly effective live training and includes highly valuable expertise such as:

• Product support/experts page with dozens of AC system-related tech tips, instructions and insights;
• Oil and gas data finder, updated each year with the most popular and new applications, including NEVs, which is available for workshops as a poster with the most popular models extracted, as well as QR code magnet/stickers;
• Latest technical video stories on how to repair EVs, including the AC compressor replacement in the popular e208 Peugeot;
• Technical training, online, live, self-learning. 

Access to all of the tech support assets is free at http://www.nissens.com/support

Details of the complete AC range can be found by visiting: https://nissens.showpad.com/share/sPXzboMi6HA9fERcSRpTE with specific information concerning the Nissens condenser offering available at: https://nissens.com/condenser