Using the air conditioning in your car during the summer can be very pleasant, but it is important to be careful and respect the rules of the Highway Code to avoid hefty fines
With the arrival of summer and the increase in temperatures, the use of air conditioning in cars becomes more and more frequent. However, it is important to be careful and respect the highway code in order to avoid heavy fines. In particular, article 157 of the highway code prohibits keeping the engine and air conditioning on while the vehicle is parked, in order to limit CO2 emissions and fuel waste. Anyone who violates this rule risks having to pay a fine which can vary from 223 to 444 euros, depending on the seriousness of the offence, and having to have the vehicle towed away with the costs borne by the owner.
Air conditioning: stop, stop and stop
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It is important to distinguish between the different situations in which one may find oneself: stopping, stopping and parking. In the event of a stop, i.e. when the vehicle is interrupted due to traffic, such as a red light or a traffic jam, the engine and air conditioning can be kept on. Even when stopped, or when you have to pick up or drop off people or load and unload objects, you can keep the air conditioning on for as long as necessary. However, when parked, i.e. when you stop driving the vehicle for any other reason, the engine and air conditioning must be turned off, even if you remain inside the vehicle.
AIR CONDITIONING: maintenance required
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In addition to being careful with the use of air conditioning in your car, it is important to pay attention to the maintenance of the air conditioning system to avoid the formation of mould, bacteria and fungi which can cause bad smells inside the passenger compartment. To do this, it is advisable to clean and sanitize the air conditioning system at least once a year, using methods such as spray cans, ozone treatments and evaporator cleaning treatments. Furthermore, it is advisable to change the cabin filter periodically.
AIR CONDITIONING: costs and advice
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As for recharging the car’s air conditioning, it is advisable to do it every two years or every 60,000 kilometres, with the help of a specialized workshop. The car’s air conditioning filter, on the other hand, should be replaced every 15,000 km or at least once a year, in order to avoid the formation of bacteria and bad odours. The average cost of these operations varies between 80 and 100 euros, to which another 30-40 euros can be added if the pollen filter or cabin filter also needs to be changed.
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July 17 – 09:33
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2023-07-17 07:33:59
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