I have noticed a few times, that when driving in a way that there is very little noise, ie about 40mph in top and the radio off, I can hear the climate control system make noises that I can only describe as sounding like its breathing, or wheezing slightly once every 5 to 10 seconds or so.

I'm sure I read about this somewhere before but can't find the thread. Has anyone else noticed this and is it a sign of an impending problem?

I have noticed a few times, that when driving in a way that there is very little noise, ie about 40mph in top and the radio off, I can hear the climate control system make noises that I can only describe as sounding like its breathing, or wheezing slightly once every 5 to 10 seconds or so.

I'm sure I read about this somewhere before but can't find the thread. Has anyone else noticed this and is it a sign of an impending problem?

is the A/C on or off? Fan speed low or high? (I am assuming your climate control is the same as my car)

I have noticed a few times, that when driving in a way that there is very little noise, ie about 40mph in top and the radio off, I can hear the climate control system make noises that I can only describe as sounding like its breathing, or wheezing slightly once every 5 to 10 seconds or so.

I'm sure I read about this somewhere before but can't find the thread. Has anyone else noticed this and is it a sign of an impending problem?

This is probably noise coming from the expansion valve - they can make a whooshing or even whistling noise. The refrigerant level could be a bit low, but if it is cooling OK then I wouldn't worry for the time being.

Well its got climate control so I don't think you can specifically turn the air conditioning off, unless that's what the ECON button does. I think it still cools fine, though I haven't used the climate control full cold much this winter!

I heard the noise with the fan on just 2 or 3 bars of light, otherwise I couldn't hear the noises. Could the air con need regassing?

Well its got climate control so I don't think you can specifically turn the air conditioning off, unless that's what the ECON button does. I think it still cools fine, though I haven't used the climate control full cold much this winter!

I heard the noise with the fan on just 2 or 3 bars of light, otherwise I couldn't hear the noises. Could the air con need regassing?

Yes, as I said above, it could be that the refrigerant is a bit low. Expansion valve noises are a symptom. If its cooling OK then there is no panic (feel the high pressure pipe running from the compressor to the cabin, and if its icy cold after a run then cooling is OK).

I think the Skoda Dealers recommend to regas and service the A/C every 2 years - though this might be just a money earner for them. There appears to be no reference to it in the service schedule. However, in your case and bearing in mind your problem and age of the car it might be worth doing. There are plenty of places that offer this service, e.g. Kwik Fit so you should be able to get a competitive price.

Would advise an air-con specialist rather than Skoda dealer (who will probably farm it out anyway) or Kwik-Fit.