GSF in air con opportunity profit warning
National motor factor GSF Car Parts is urging garages to plan now in order to maximise their slice of one of the aftermarket’s most consistent growth areas, ahead of the summer season.
Refrigerant loss from natural permeation – or system leakage – is an accepted fact. Unlike domestic fridges, the under-bonnet environment doesn’t allow for sealed systems. So joints, combined with vibration, extreme temperature changes and high pressures make refrigerant loss inevitable. Most vehicle manufacturers classify 10 – 15% loss per annum as ‘normal’.
“Drivers might not always notice the performance on their air con fading because it can be gradual,” said John Wright, Head of Garage Equipment and Customer Development. “But usually straight after the system’s been serviced drivers are amazed at the difference!”
It’s believed that 3 or 4 in every 5 cars on UK roads are operating with below manufacturer-recommended levels of refrigerant at any given time. This doesn’t simply stop the mercury dipping as low as it should. It can also worsen fuel economy and even risks damage to the air con compressor because the PAG oils that protect it are circulated by the refrigerant.
To capture your slice of the air con market, GSF Car Parts recommends being prepared. First, ensure your technicians are certified under current F-Gas regulations and understand how to operate all necessary equipment. Secondly, make sure your air con equipment is serviced ahead of season too so it’s ready to go.
“The start of the air con season often catches garages by surprise, it can be as early as Easter, and certainly by early May,” said John.
“Those first few hot days, when drivers go to switch on the air con after not using or not really needing it for months, suddenly bring lots of enquiries into garages.”
John believes more garages should to look to upsell air con service too. Air con work is profitable, once the investment’s been made in the equipment and training. A service which might retail at £45 – 85 depending on what’s involved, may only require 10 minutes ‘hands on’ time and £5 or £10 of consumables.
GSF Car Parts have extended the range of equipment available for the 2016 season. They can also service or repair air con units, and offer a simple low-cost route to F-Gas certification.
The Brain Bee range of air units starts at just £1,395 + VAT and boasts an impressive two year warranty. For more information contact your local branch of GSF Car Parts or call 0121 749 8801.
Further Information
James Onions T. 07966 138883 | james.onions@thinmarketing.co.uk | www.gsfcarparts.com
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