Why independent garages should offer air-con servicing to their customers One area where independent garages can really shine is in air conditioning servicing, with the right equipment and expertise, garages can provide a top-notch air conditioning service to their customers and stand out from the local competition. Air conditioning is no longer a luxury item in a vehicle, it’s a standard feature on most new cars today. In fact, air-conditioning has become a crucial aspect of driving comfort and safety, especially during the hot summer months. The increasing importance of airconditioning systems in vehicles has opened new opportunities for independent garages to expand their services and attract more customers. Increased demand for air-conditioning services: The demand for air-conditioning services has surged with the UK’s increasing temperatures. Customers now recognise the significance of air-conditioning systems in their vehicles and search for dependable and affordable services. Independent garages that provide such services can leverage this expanding demand to broaden their offering to new and existing customers. Greater revenue potential: Providing airconditioning services presents an opportunity for independent garages to generate extra income. These services can be more lucrative than other vehicle maintenance services due to their specialised equipment and expertise requirements. By investing in air-conditioning equipment and training, garages can boost earnings and grow their business. Competitive advantage: Independent garages should strive to offer comprehensive AC service to their customers, this means going beyond simple AC top-ups and repair work and offering services such as interim system inspections and preventative maintenance. Regular AC inspections can help identify potential issues before they become more significant problems, while preventative maintenance can help to extend the life of the system and improve overall performance. By offering a full range of AC services, garages can build trust with their customers and establish themselves as a reliable source for all vehicle maintenance jobs. Why an air conditioning service is important to your customers? The air conditioning systems in your customers vehicles needs to be serviced for a number of reasons, these include: Improved Comfort: A well-functioning airconditioning system is crucial for maintaining a comfortable interior temperature of a vehicle, especially in hot summers. Regular servicing can optimise the system’s efficiency, ensuring a pleasant driving experience for all occupants. Improved Fuel Efficiency: A well-maintained air-conditioning system consumes less power and requires less energy, which can help improve fuel efficiency and reduce fuel costs. Longevity: Routine air-conditioning system maintenance can prevent costly repairs or replacements in the future and extend its lifespan. Early detection and repair of problems can prevent larger and costly issues from developing down the line. Prevents Odours: Air conditioning systems that have been inactive for a while tend to emit an unpleasant odour when activated This is caused by the accumulation of odour-producing bacteria and mould during prolonged periods of inactivity typically through the winter or if only occasionally used in warmer conditions. Performing regular interim cleaning of the AC system can prevent the build-up and keep the system smelling fresh. Consider using an AC servicing machine that includes AC system cleaning to provide this extra service. What does this mean for Independent Garages? Putting it simply, it’s an opportunity to offer your customers an additional service to quickly address common issues with air conditioning systems, plus make a substantial difference to your weekly revenue figures. Most garages charge between £60-£200 for an air con checkup and re-gas (depending on vehicle and gas type). There is also the opportunity for repair jobs where preventative maintenance and system recharging does not fix the issue within the system. Typically, these will be repairing jobs that include the replacement of components such as; AC compressors, condensers, evaporators or hose lines and connections, to name a few. Depending on the vehicle and underlying fault these will vary in labour time but opportunities to offer a complete solution to customers. ADVERTORIAL CONTENT Find out more: snapon.com/ac Sun® KoolKare Dual Gas 12 The SUN® KoolKare Dual Gas 12 is a fully automatic unit for the recovery, recycling and recharging of both R134a and HFO1234yf refrigerants. ARE YOU EQUIPPED FOR AIR CONDITIONING SERVICING? TIPS FOR INDEPENDENT GARAGES TO BOOST REVENUE FROM AIR CONDITIONING SERVICING Discover how the latest air-conditioning service equipment can help technicians work more efficiently, increase revenue and elevate customer satisfaction.
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