Air conditioning specialist, Waeco joined the Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association in March and since then it has been sharing much of its knowledge of the sector through OESAA channels. 

Waeco boasts more than four decades of AC engineering and manufacturing prowess, delivering systems and consumables suitable for passenger, truck, bus, agricultural and construction vehicle markets. Andrew Bastable of Waecco says, its expertise is invaluable to vehicle manufacturers and sprinkling that know-how into the aftermarket is equally crucial. 

Andrew commented,  “There’s a huge opportunity in the AC market, with monumental changes happening in the sector, so having the backing of OESAA to help push these messages through the supply chain will help build confidence.”

Andrew believes AC systems have, traditionally, been billed as an “easy fix”, but that is all set to change; the days of simply using PAG 46 or universal compressor oil, then recharging the refrigerant during a service, are numbered.

He said, “Focusing on EVs or hybrids, it’s vital that moisture is removed from the AC system. That is why the correct, specific compressor oil must always be used when replacing old oil from the vehicle whilst servicing the AC system. Always bearing in mind that the correct refrigerant and vacuum is carried out on the system as per any AC service. However, the most commonly seen AC service format from technicians is to unscrew a bottle of compressor oil, pour it into a plastic bottle on their AC service unit, then allowing that moisture to go back through the system. Because the oil has been exposed to moisture through the atmosphere, thus, undoing all their hard work, technicians need to understand the consequences of this format with future vehicles, along with the right specification of oil.”

To combat this issue  Waeco now offers a patented Profi Oil canister with a laminated bags inside them. 

Andrew added, “I believe that it’s going to become increasingly difficult to obtain AC items in the future years to come, especially within the EV AC sector due to demand from servicing and fitting errors; however, on the other hand, this will present a fantastic opportunity for those garages carrying out the AC repairs and services correctly. Motor factors will also have the opportunity to educate and expand on the potential that lies ahead for the present and future garages to come within AC and thermal management systems.”

Andrew also points out that that manufacturers are bringing out their own, individual compressor oils, such as SPA2 (VAG) and ND-11 (Tesla). He said, “We want to educate at both motor factor and workshop level, and I believe there’s an incredible need for that knowledge to be shared. We’re already working with DENSO, a fellow OESAA member, and Hayley Pells, a member of the OESAA garage forum, to educate the marketplace, raising the awareness of using the correct oils, the importance of flushing a vehicle and using the correct parts.”