When it comes to air conditioning work, Ask for more,

 

The beauty of ignorance.

How much to charge the air condition system in my car? That’s how frequently it starts. A simple question with a very complex answer.

You see, due to environmental conditions, in the State of California, this is what you must do as a minimum requirement anytime the mere mention of any air conditioning work is requested on a repair order. But most shops don’ t know it and only key on “recharging the air condition system”

The following is a copy from the Bureau of Automotive Repairs code of auto repair conduct. Recharging the air conditioning system without any other work to find out why it needs recharging in the first place, is a  disservice to a client.

Cal. Code Regs. tit. 16 § 3366

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 34, August 23, 2024

Section 3366 - Automotive Air Conditioning

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, any automotive repair dealer that advertises or performs, directly or through a sublet contractor, automotive air conditioning work and uses the words service, inspection, diagnosis, top off, performance check or any expression or term of like meaning in any form of advertising or on a written estimate or invoice shall include and perform all of the following procedures as part of that air conditioning work:

(1) Exposed hoses, tubing and connections are examined for damage or leaks.

(2) The compressor and clutch, when accessible, are examined for damage, missing bolts, missing hardware, broken housing and leaks.

(3) The compressor is rotated to determine if it is seized or locked up.

(4) Service ports are examined for missing caps, damaged threads and conformance with labeling.

(5) The condenser coil is examined for damage, restrictions or leaks.

(6) The expansion device, if accessible, is examined for physical damage or leaks.

(7) The accumulator receiver dryer and in-line filter have been checked for damage, missing or loose hardware or leaks.

(8) The drive belt system has been checked for damaged or missing pulleys or tensioners and for proper belt routing, tension, alignment, excessive wear or cracking.

(9) The fan clutch has been examined for leakage, bearing wear and proper operation.

(10) The cooling fan has been checked for bent or missing blades.

(11) Accessible electrical connections have been examined for loose, burnt, broken or corroded parts.

(12) The refrigerant in use has been identified and checked for contamination.

(13) The system has been checked for leakage at a minimum of 50-PSI system pressure.

(14) The compressor clutch, blower motor and air control doors have been checked for proper operation.

(15) High and low side system operating pressures, as applicable, have been measured and recorded on the final invoice; and,

(16) The center air distribution outlet temperature has been measured and recorded on the final invoice.

(b) Whenever the automotive air conditioning work being advertised or performed does not involve opening the refrigerant portion of the air conditioning system, refrigerant evacuation, or full or partial refrigerant recharge, the procedures specified in subsection (a) need be performed only to the extent required by accepted trade standards.

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 16, § 3366

So, for those shops that don’t know the rules and only quote to “recharge the system”, I can see why they would do it for a very low price since it does not take that long to perform. However, if you follow the State Guidelines and do as you are required to do, then it takes much longer to accomplish and as such, a more expensive job.

So, I’m sorry I have to quote a higher price to do a “recharge of the air condition system” but, my shop’s job comes with all 17 of the previously printed items which makes for a much, much

better job.

 So, what is the value of a relationship in business?

For your consideration:

My next-door neighbor owns a 2022 Ford F250 diesel 4x4. My shop performs all the services on their truck. They faithfully maintain it by having the oil and filter replaced every 5,000 miles, they replace the air and cabin filters once a year regardless of condition, they replace the fuel filter once a year as well. Suffice to say, they take care of the vehicle. They tow a fabulous looking 36-foot 5^th wheeler with that truck.

A few days ago, they started a one-month long trip. We did not expect to see our neighbors for a whole month. To our surprise, they were back home in a rental car 6 days later. Turns out the high-pressure pump on the diesel engine of the Ford truck, hand grenade, as stated by the Ford dealer in Southern Colorado. This is where relationships matter. They said they could not start even looking at the vehicle for at least 6 weeks. In the meantime, my neighbors had to find a place to store their beautiful 36-foot-long 5^th wheeler after they had to pay a great deal of money to have it towed from the highway. It’s probably going to be there for a minimum of 2 months. Fast forward to things here in Ventura. Our business got a phone call from someone stuck on the freeway. Turns out their GMC diesel truck lost all power and it’s now blowing white smoke out the tailpipe. Can we work on it right away as they are stuck here while going through town?

We truly are backed up for about three weeks to the point we had to say no.

Then it dawned on me about the countless loyal clients we have who call and want (and get) an appointment for the next day. Now! that is relationship business.

With the huge shortage of automotive mechanics, most good shops are running at full capacity much of the time. The only way to get an appointment in the very near future is to have a relationship with your mechanic. One way to endear yourself to your auto mechanic is to start with a great 5-star review that is clear, concise, and to the point.