Hi all I needed a new condenser because various stones had gone through mine and the gas had long gone. A new condenser was £550 from the stealers and £70 for a metal patent one. No question which one I got. As it's at the front we thought it would be a bumper off job and a couple of hours work ☹️ oops I was quoted 300 all in parts and labour incl gas. It actually cost 380 in the end because it took over a day and the mechanic lost money and said never ever again if I get one of these I'm quoting 700 before I start it. Literally everything had to come off whole front end and wheels. Drain main coolant too. Be aware folks it's a mammoth job. 2012 Octavia vrs

In about 2015 there were several threads about putting a net behind the grill to catch stones after several members had your problem.

Try a search on here if still available.

This was the first thing I did when I got my car in 2015. When fitting the net I also removed many small concrete lumps from the top of the bumper onto which they had fallen after hitting the core.

The air con has stopped working on my VRS. Diagnosed as needing new condenser, compressor and high pressure pipe. Two quotes of £1300 & £1500 to fix it 😬. Looked at some YT vids to see about doing the compressor myself but too much faff involved for someone not mechanically minded!

Done it myself on the drive and got it recharged at the garage, horrible job especially for someone with limited experience.

The dealer sells a little black plastic grid screen that attaches to the fins to help prevent this. 1K0820746