October 2019

20 AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2019 TECHNICAL www.aftermarketonline.net TECHNICAL UPDATE With cars using their air con in full during the warmer months, Helen Robinson, Marketing Director at Euro Car Parts, wants to remind garages that cleaning air conditioning systems remains a good opportunity into the autumn and beyond. “We’ve all done it – you turn on the air con after not using it for a few months, only to be greeted by a terrible smell. The reason behind this, however, is quite simple. Stagnant water droplets trapped in your dormant system are blasted out, leaving behind a foul odour and some nasty bacteria. While this is a common driver complaint, not every garage is taking the opportunity to upsell and provide a thorough cleaning and disinfection service. Fortunately, you can take three essential steps using products from Normfest that have been specifically designed and formulated to help these troubled drivers. “The first step is to ‘bomb’ the system with Viro Dry Shot Plus, a powerful anti-bacterial cleaning agent. Using the product is simple – spray it directly into the air intake nozzles that are usually located in the passenger footwell. The spray then disperses throughout the air conditioning system for a thorough, quick and hygienic clean. Viro One Shot Plus eliminates microorganisms, prevents allergic reactions and leaves a lasting pleasant smell. A single can is enough for one application. “In the second step, Viro Air Fresh Plus is sprayed directly into the air vents and gets to work on the air All the latest technical news and updates relevant to you Blast it! How to disinfect air con systems conditioner’s piping. Over time, a layer of dirt collects in the ventilation ducts and becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mould. Viro Air Fresh Plus eliminates these odour- causing particles with direct application, enabled by the included tube nozzle. It provides a long-lasting disinfection and leaves a pleasant citrus fragrance. One can contains enough spray for three applications. “For the third and final step don’t forget the evaporator. For a complete clean, it is recommended that garages also use Viro Vaporizer to disinfect the air conditioner’s evaporator. A layer of dirt can accumulate on the evaporator fins over time, which provides ideal conditions for micro-organisms to reproduce. The product cleans with high-pressure flushing, acting across the evaporator’s entire surface. It quickly kills bacteria and fungi and prevents their resettlement. The product is supplied with a 60- centimetre long tube with a rotary nozzle, helping the user to reach all corners of the evaporator. Viro Vaporizer contains enough spray for one air conditioning system. This final step completes the process, providing comprehensive protection against bacteria and bad odours.” In conclusion, Helen added: “Disinfecting a vehicle’s air conditioning is not just about removing bad smells. It is important to periodically remove the build-up of bacteria, dirt and dust within the system to avoid discomfort, allergies and health complications. This simple three-step process could be combined with a re-gas and a new cabin filter for a complete system rejuvenation. It presents a great opportunity for garages to upsell and provides a service that directly benefits customers – solving a common driver complaint.” Welcome to Aftermarket’s technical update section. Here you can find the latest on upcoming technical developments and updates on new methods, as well as equipment. If you have information you wish to share, please get in touch with the editor via email: alex@aftermarket.co.uk