FAQs

How much will it cost to get my air-conditioning serviced or fixed?

After we have examined your vehicle, we will let you know what work is needed and give you an estimate of the cost.

The cost might go up while we’re doing the work if we find anything else that needs fixing – but we’ll let you know before we go ahead if it is a substantial amount.

We can’t give you an estimate without seeing the vehicle, as a visual inspection is needed to determine faults.

Why should I use CoolCar?

CoolCar Air-Conditioning Centres are air-conditioning and heating specialists. Our staff are highly trained and we use specialist equipment. A number of our centres are multiple award winners, including people’s choice awards for Best Auto Air-Conditioning Specialist.

To see more reasons to choose us, visit our Why us page.

I just want my air-conditioning system re-gassed. How much will this cost?

It is never a good idea to just re-gas a vehicle air-conditioning system without first finding and fixing the fault.

The gas has disappeared for a reason – usually a leak.

CoolCar won’t just re-gas your system without finding and fixing the fault.

If you just get a re-gas without fixing any leaks, the gas will just disappear again and you will need another re-gas in the future. There could also be substantial long-term damage to your air-conditioning system.

CoolCar Air-Conditioning Centres have the expertise and equipment to find and fix any leaks before re-gassing. Repairing leaks mean the gas won’t disappear into the atmosphere.

It is illegal in New Zealand to allow air-conditioning gas (also known as refrigerant) to disappear into the atmosphere. This is because air-conditioning gas is a synthetic greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

Only unethical operators offer to ‘just do a re-gas’ without looking for and fixing any faults.

Bring your vehicle to a CoolCar centre, and you will be doing the right thing by the environment, while also getting the best advice for your air-conditioning system.

We will diagnose why your vehicle has lost gas when we see your vehicle and give you an estimate.

We can’t give an estimate without seeing your vehicle as other work may also be needed.

How can I tell my vehicle air-conditioning system or heater needs a check-up as soon as possible?

Signs your vehicle air-conditioning or heater system need a check-up include the following:

  • the air inside your vehicle is too hot or cold even after you’ve changed the settings
  • your air-conditioning is smelly or noisy
  • fluid leaks from your air-conditioning onto your vehicle’s floor
  • windows are fogging heavily and won’t demist even with the air-conditioning and heater running
  • you can’t change the vent selection to your preferred option
  • your air-conditioning or heater system aren’t working at all.

 

How often should I get my vehicle air-conditioning serviced?

We recommend you get your vehicle air-conditioning checked every 12 months and serviced every second year to keep it running smoothly.

You should have the refrigerant and receiver-drier in your vehicle’s air-conditioning system replaced every second year so your system continues to operate and lasts longer.

Staying on top of servicing and maintenance saves you money in the long term and helps guard against expensive damage.

I’ve heard using vehicle air-conditioning costs money in petrol? Is this true?

Some people say turning off your air-conditioning saves you money on petrol. However, there are significant losses in vehicle efficiency when you drive your car at open road speeds with the windows down.

Modern car air-conditioning systems are designed to be as economical as possible. A lot of consideration is given to this when manufacturers design air-conditioning systems.

There are other advantages to having your air-conditioning on when driving:

  • It helps keep you alert
  • Using your air-conditioning in all seasons reduces the chances of a malfunction in your air-conditioning system. Malfunctions can lead to costly repairs.
  • It demists your windscreen in winter – ensuring visibility and safer driving. So keep your air-conditioner on when you have your heater running.

There is a smell in my car, I think it is coming from my air-conditioning. What should I do?

Bring your car in to a CoolCar Air-Conditioning Centre for an air-conditioning and heating check. Let us know you’re concerned your air-conditioning system may be causing smells. As part of the check, we’ll investigate the source of the odour.

It could be your air-conditioning or it could be a range of other causes. After we’ve examined your car, we’ll tell you the repairs or servicing needed to stop the smell, and any other work needed to keep your air-conditioning and heating working well. We will give you an estimate of the cost.

For a vehicle air-conditioning and heating check, phone 0508 COOLCAR (0508 266 5227) and select the centre nearest to you. Visit our Centres page for more contact information.