Air con ‘should be cleaned regularly’

- 27th August 2009

Motorists have been urged to ensure their air conditioning systems are regularly checked as part of car servicing.

According to driving advice website New Car Net, such technology needs cleaning at least two or more times a year, particularly during both the summer and winter months.

One particular reason why this is so important, according to the site, is that bacteria can build up in the vents which may leave vehicles smelling “less than fresh” and could impact on a driver’s health.

“It is a common problem and provides a breeding ground for fungi, mould and even e-coli, presenting a possible health risk as the air is blown into the cabin,” the site added.

BeatThatQuote.com’s Victoria Bischoff recently wrote in a column for MSN Money that drivers could cut motoring costs by reducing their usage of air conditioning systems.

She explained that such systems may increase fuel consumption, meaning people could be spending over the odds by using them.