Drivers warned over air conditioning use
Date: 22/05/2008 12:00:00
Experts are warning drivers not to cut back on their car air conditioning use while trying to reduce fuel consumption.
According to Warranty Direct, motorists could be tempted to use systems more sparingly as it can reduce fuel consumption.
But the firm said air conditioning should be switched on at least once a week to help reduce the build up of fungal
spores which develop in systems when they are idle.
According to the company the problems "can cause health issues, particularly for asthma sufferers, when the air
conditioning is used again after a period of inactivity".
Long periods of under-use can also cause air conditioning systems to seize up and fail, leading to high repair bills.
Failure of an air conditioning system in this way will not be covered by many
car insurance policies, with Warranty Direct
estimating drivers will be left to pick up the average £555 bill.
The firm also said air conditioning system failures now account for one in 20 of the fault reports it receives.
Warranty Direct offers extended cover on used cars which have passed the manufacturer's warranty period.