Car Insurance News from Be Wiser

Air Conditioning Costs UK Millions Every Year

Four out of five new cars come fitted with air conditioning today, yet the likelihood of an expensive failure has jumped by well over half recently. Drivers in the UK pay approximately £177 million each year in order to keep cool while they drive, it has been reported.

According to an independent warranty specialist, air conditioning faults account for less than 4 per cent of all motor malfunctions and it is behind only the transmission and the engine as the most expensive car part to repair at an average cost of around £450. Analysis shows that the most susceptible vehicles are those aged 4 years old.

Furthermore, the company highlighted its point by revealing that the replacement of a compressor unit on a Vauxhall Astra costs over £700 plus up to £200 for labour.

A spokesman for the company gave motorists who do not want to get hot under the collar this year a useful tip. An annual check costs less than a bill for repair or even complete replacement.

"To help prevent failure, it's advisable to use the air-con for at least ten minutes every week and get it serviced every couple of years," he said.

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