When things start hotting up on the road again and the sun begins to beat down on the windscreen, an air-conditioning system is what you really need. But it not only provides cool air in the driver's cab. It's significance for safety is also not to be underestimated, as the scientists at the University of Wuppertal (Germany) proved some time ago. On behalf of the Federal Highway Research Institute, they analysed the relationship between interior temperature and accident risk. They found that, even at an interior temperature of 27 degrees, the risk of an accident in a built-up area increases by eleven per cent. At 32 degrees, there is an almost 25 per cent greater risk. The reasons are obvious: you get tired more quickly at higher temperatures and your concentration diminishes as a result.
An air-conditioning system as a bacteria trap
A well-functioning air-conditioning system is therefore important for safety and well-being. The key word here being "well-functioning". If the air-conditioning system is not properly maintained, it poses a massive health risk. This is mainly because of the "evaporator", an important component in the air-conditioning system. It becomes moist during operation, which then, in combination with the dark and humid environment inside the system, forms the ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. These enter the vehicle cabin when the air is circulated and can cause watery eyes, a dry throat, sneezing and coughing.
How to clean up the air-conditioning system
With regular attention, you can prevent your air-conditioning system from becoming a bacteria incubator. Specialists therefore recommend carrying out an air-conditioning check on commercial vehicles every six months. In addition to a visual inspection, the function and performance are also to be checked. Because if refrigerant escapes through a small leak, the cooling function is restricted, which means that the air-conditioning system is increasingly less able to perform its actual function. You will notice when driving that the cooling capacity is reduced. During the air-conditioning check, the cabin filter is also replaced: its capacity is usually exhausted after six months. Furthermore, the evaporator is cleaned and disinfected to remove bacteria and fungal nests. Moreover, anyone who has an air-conditioning service carried out once a year will also, in addition to the refrigerant, have the filter dryer replaced. The latter is another building block that contributes to ensuring good air conditioning in the vehicle interior.
It's worth it for everyone involved
Unfortunately, all too often, air-conditioning inspections are still not taken seriously enough. A comment often heard is that, after all, a home's refrigerator does not require this type of service. That's correct and the basic operating principle of both devices is the same. However, while the refrigerant circuit of a floor-standing appliance is extremely compact, in a vehicle it runs over much longer lines, which increases susceptibility to bacterial growth. In addition, the engine constantly vibrates, the vehicle shakes and the outside temperatures fluctuate wildly, all of which makes defects much more likely.
However, health is the most important factor. As drivers, this concerns you directly and cannot be forgotten: if a problem occurs, the cost of having lorry downtime is significantly higher than having an air-conditioning check.