Over the last 2 years I have been using a combination of main dealer and independent garage servicing/work (indy).

 

I recently took my Superb into the main dealer for some work and they reported that the AC service was due.

 

The indy did a pollen filter change last year.

 

Does anyone know what is the difference between an AC service and pollen filter change ?

Does the AC service go beyond the pollen filter change etc ?

 

Any help appreciated.

AC service checks the refrigerant pressure and tops up if necessary. Also checks the general condition of the system eg for leaks. Pollen filter replacement is a 2 minute job (at least on my Kamiq, don’t know re the Superb) which you can easily do yourself.

 

Many thanks marineboy

21 hours ago, marineboy said:

AC service checks the refrigerant pressure and tops up if necessary

Or they turn it on and if it’s chilly, it’s good to go and you’re down £50. (or whatever the ludicrous amount 30mins of main dealer labour is these days). 

13 minutes ago, numskull said:

Or they turn it on and if it’s chilly, it’s good to go and you’re down £50. (or whatever the ludicrous amount 30mins of main dealer labour is these days). 

That’s more like it. 
 

100% they don’t trace the whole system for issues, they just top it up and check it works 

They quoted me £140 for the AC service 😟

 

16 minutes ago, ApertureS said:

That’s more like it. 
 

100% they don’t trace the whole system for issues, they just top it up and check it works 

 

Probably better to get it serviced when it is empty - then you know it has really been topped up!😀

2 hours ago, MrUkSkodaDriver said:

They quoted me £140 for the AC service 😟

 

It's a rip off, it is not like they will sanitise filter packs to prevent legionaries because not in a location where doors and windows don't open.  You won't gain anything by having it done compared to yourself turning temperature to max for a minute, and min for a minute to exercise system.

 

Unless they confirm you will get a receipt with a before and after refrigerant concentration proving it's been hooked up and tested then decline.

 

A cursory AC 'service' is about as useful as replacing the air in your tyres with fresh air.  Waste of your money, and easy money for them as can't check it was done.

 

 

And on the basis that my system was making odd hissing sounds, I got a airco “specialist” to come to me and he said it jest needed a regas and two days later the noise returned. Dammit. Should’ve listened to SJ above and others who said said it wouldn’t be low gas. Anyway, I mentioned this to the Indy dealer I use for service when I was there for an oil change and in 2 mins they found the pipe leaving the condenser had leak. To be fair, the “specialist” refunded me the £120 he charged. And to top it all, when I took it in for the AC to be fixed, they found the water pump housing was leaking! Bloody expensive month that was! 

8 hours ago, SurreyJohn said:

It's a rip off, it is not like they will sanitise filter packs to prevent legionaries because not in a location where doors and windows don't open.  You won't gain anything by having it done compared to yourself turning temperature to max for a minute, and min for a minute to exercise system.

 

Unless they confirm you will get a receipt with a before and after refrigerant concentration proving it's been hooked up and tested then decline.

 

A cursory AC 'service' is about as useful as replacing the air in your tyres with fresh air.  Waste of your money, and easy money for them as can't check it was done.

 

 

Yup exactly. AC is ok at the moment so I'm going to leave it as it is. The receipt thingy is a good idea which I will try to remember to ask for

11 hours ago, MrUkSkodaDriver said:

They quoted me £140 for the AC service 😟

 

Blimey that’s almost as much as the repair cost on ours! Ker-chang!