MAY 2023 AFTERMARKET 51 displacement compressors, it is also important to check the system’s temperatures and live data, for example.” For more information, visit: www.denso-am.eu Special handling Nissens Marketing Manager Jan Zieleskiewicz observed: “As more new energy vehicles (NEVs), which include hybrid and electric vehicles, take to the roads, more will come into the workshop for routine climate system maintenance or repair. However, the technicians undertaking this work need to be aware that they require special handling and safety procedures, as well as a deeper level of specialist knowledge to complete it successfully. “Using the thermal system as an example, many NEVs rely on a heat pump solution, which is an advanced system compared to a standard A/C loop, so adds further complications. As a result, the first thing on the wish list for independents in a busy workshop is access to reliable technical support and this is an area that Nissens excels in. The company openly shares its expertise on the A/C system’s maintenance, troubleshooting and component installation. Its technical insights cover the newest technology trends and include the latest, aforementioned NEV thermal management systems. This technical support is easily accessible in various forms, from online assets to highly effective live training. “The second and third things on the list are replacement components of premium quality that ensure easy installation, which are standard features for Nissens' parts. Fourth on the wish list are components that, provided they are fitted correctly, last, which is another Nissens strength, as many of its products incorporate unique features that prolong the lifespan of each component and deliver years of value to vehicle owners.” Jan added: “NEVs will soon become commonplace in the aftermarket, so the ability of the independent sector to troubleshoot and fix their climate control systems and carry out routine maintenance will be vital for its future viability.” To view, go to: www.nissens.com/experts Countdown Finally, is the clock counting down on the traditional A/C gas R134a? Simon Ravenscroft, Northern Regional Sales Manager at National Refrigerants said, ‘yes’: “R134a, which has a global warming potential (GWP) of 1,430, has been used as the coolant of choice in our car air-conditioning systems for almost 30 years but that could all be coming to an end sooner than you may think. Today there are over 33 million cars licenced on UK roads and of that 33 million approx. 60%, or 21 million, were registered before 2017. In 2017 it became illegal to manufacture cars in Europe using a refrigerant in its air-conditioning system with a GWP of 150 so most now contain the refrigerant R1234yf, which has GWP of 4. “We are more environmentally aware now than ever before and have been making great efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. To encourage the change to more environmentally friendly refrigerants, a new quota system was introduced in 2015 meaning anyone wanting to manufacture or import these F-Gases into Europe, including the UK, must have a legitimate registered quota. This quota system has planned reductions every three years throughout its 15-year phase down programme. This quota system is not a physical Kg based system but is a CO2 equivalent meaning the higher the refrigerants GWP – the more quota it consumes. As quota allocations are cut, refrigerants with higher GWP’s become less available and more expensive to the point where it is no longer economically viable to produce them. At some point this will happen to R134a and with 21 million cars registered in the UK before 2017 a significant proportion of these will still rely on R134a to run their air-conditioning systems.” The quota is about to drop again, as Simon noted: “In less than nine months there will be the next planned quota reduction taking the overall quota to just 31%. This may only be a 14% cut of the original 100% but it is equivalent to almost 30% of 2023’s availability.To make matters more concerning the current F-Gas legislation in Europe is under review calling for the 14% cut to be increased to almost 24%. This equals a reduction of almost half of this year’s availably. “When the UK left the European Union, it adopted Europe’s current F-Gas legislation directly into UK policy. It is currently unconfirmed at this time whether any changes to the E.U policy would be adopted into UK legislation. One thing however is clear, by the end of 2023 there will be at least 30% less available quota from 2024 to 2027. Eventually there won’t be any original R134a cars left on UK roads apart from a small number of classic cars. The question is, will the supply of R134a last long enough?” Simon added: “So can R1234yf can be used instead of R134a? Unfortunately, no it is not possible due to its flammability. R1234yf should only ever be used in a system designed for using flammable refrigerants.” www.aftermarketonline.net
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