Hybrid Vehicles Are Different -- Even in Terms of A/C Service

EMSDETTEN, GERMANY--(Marketwired - Aug 5, 2014) - The number of hybrid-drive vehicles travelling on the roads is slowly but steadily increasing. First talks with German automotive manufacturers about this trend took place as early as in 2007, because it was considered unacceptable for workshops to invest in an extra, "for-hybrids-only" A/C service unit. Another topic under discussion was how to prevent safety risks for staff members doing service work hybrid vehicles.

As a result of the cooperation, WAECO ASC-series A/C service units are suitable for all hybrid vehicles made by German manufacturers. The only precondition is the use of an A/C compressor oil that has been approved for conventional vehicle air conditioning systems as well as for those used for hybrid vehicles. Another result is that all A/C systems are fitted with the same service connections. This is the only way to ensure both types of vehicles can be serviced with a single service unit.

What about Toyota and the likes? In particular the Toyota Prius, a hybrid model of which has been available in the market for many years. Unfortunately, the technical situation is different from that described for German vehicles. Toyota uses special refrigerant oils for its air conditioning systems. For the sake of service staff safety this type of compressor oil must in no case be mixed with other PAG oils used in vehicle air conditioning. Because when that happens the oil gets electrically conductive. The resulting high voltages in the area around the A/C compressor can lead to life-threatening situations for the service staff.

For this reason the WAECO AirConService range offers special solutions for service work on hybrid vehicles that guarantee that maintenance and repairs can be performed in good quality and staff members are safe and secure at all times. The range includes a special hybrid flush kit for ASC-series service units, a pair of high-voltage-resistant safety gloves, a UV-additive injection kit for hybrid vehicles, Denso ND 11 compressor oil, and a hybrid oil starter kit featuring a well-proven spindle system for safe injection of the special oil.

For more information about the things to consider when dealing with hybrid vehicle air conditioners, check www.airconservice.eu.