Many service centres tend to experience a surge in bookings at the end of the year, making spring an excellent time to begin planning ahead for the holiday season and beat the traditional Christmas crush. Here’s why focusing on your car’s air conditioning, cabin filters and cooling system now can make all the difference.

• Checking refrigerant levels and identifying leaks. Low refrigerant or leaks reduce cooling performance and force the compressor to work harder, which can shorten its life.
• Testing compressor, belts and pulleys, and the system’s overall performance under load. If parts are worn or the system is tired, performance drops just when you need it most.
• Cleaning evaporator coils, condenser fins, and ensuring good airflow. Dirt, debris or blockages (including from leaves, grass, dust) reduce efficiency and can lead to foul smells or icing up.
• Ensuring evaporator drains are clear so moisture can exit properly. Blocked drainage can lead to internal moisture, mould, odours and health issues.

Getting a professional air-con service at the start of spring means you avoid waiting too long until the system suffers or fails in high heat.

• Reduced airflow into the cabin, meaning the air-con has to work harder and may distribute air unevenly.
• Poorer air quality inside the car; for allergy sufferers, or on long holiday drives, this becomes much more noticeable.
• More strain on the air-con blower motor and possible increased energy draw.

Replacing or cleaning your cabin filter in spring ensures you breathe cleaner air, that air-con efficiency is maintained, and that cabin comfort remains high whether you’re driving around town or heading off on holiday.

• Checking coolant levels and condition (including whether it needs flushing or topping up with the correct mixture). Old or degraded coolant can lose its ability to resist boiling or freezing, and lose corrosion protection.
• Examining radiator, fan, water pump, hoses and belts for wear, leaks or damage. Small leaks or cracks are easier (and cheaper) to fix now than major repairs later.
• Ensuring thermostat and sensors (such as coolant temperature sensors) are working correctly. Faulty sensors can lead to the engine running too hot (or too cold), reducing fuel economy or risking damage.
• Verifying radiator fins are clean and unobstructed; debris and insect/insect nest build-ups can restrict airflow, reducing cooling efficiency.

Also, as many service centres fill up around Christmas, waiting too long may mean longer appointment wait times, delayed repairs, or needing to postpone travel plans.

By getting a comprehensive service now — including air-con servicing, cabin filter replacement and a full cooling system check — you can avoid the stress of emergency breakdowns, avoid discomfort in heat, and ensure your car is safe and comfortable for holiday driving.

• Air-con is not cooling like it used to, or takes a long time to reach desired temperature.
• There’s a musty or damp smell when you run the air-con.
• Airflow feels weak even with the fan on high (could be cabin filter or restricted ducts).
• Engine temperature gauge creeping higher than normal, or the car takes longer to warm up or cool down.
• Coolant level low, or visible leaks / corrosion.

Ideally, plan for your service early in spring, before the heat intensifies. That gives your workshop enough time to schedule you comfortably before the busy Christmas period.

Spring in Railway Estate offers the ideal window to ensure your car is in peak condition. Regular servicing now — with special attention to the air conditioning, cabin filters and cooling system — provides comfort, safety, and reliability for everyday drives, and helps you avoid the holiday rush and the risk of breakdowns when you least expect them.

Don’t wait until it’s sweltering or until travel plans are looming: book ahead with Boundary Street Automotive for a full spring and pre-Christmas check-over so you enjoy the journey, wherever the season takes you…