Bosch has highlighted the business potential on offer to garages through air con servicing and launched a new fast and efficient range of air conditioning servicing machines.

The company says that nearly 90% of cars in the UK now having A/C, but only 56% of independent garages have an A/C servicing machine. In Ireland while the percentage of cars with A/C may be slightly lower, it is also estimated that less than half of garages are equipped to service the fast growing number of air con systems. This means that those investing in the right training and equipment are making very healthy profits.

Bosch’s new Andiamo machines boast a super-efficient 99% refrigerant recovery rate, compared to 90-95% on other units. This makes them more environmentally-friendly, with less harmful gas escaping into the atmosphere. They also deliver significant cost saving benefits.

Based on a 7-year lifespan and 5 services per week for 50 weeks a year, a Bosch Andiamo machine can save a workshop in the region of 9 bottles of R1234yf refridgerant over other machines. This means a faster return o investment, while free database updates over the product lifetime will deliver a further saving over other Bosch ACS machines.

The new ACS 863, ACS 763 and ACS 753 units all feature a swivelling control panel, are compatible with hybrid and electric vehicles, and have the deep recovery function for full evacuation of the vehicle A/C system. For increased convenience and further reduced repair times, the ACS 863, ACS 763 and ACS 753 feature an integrated leak test for inert gas and can be controlled remotely via the Bosch smartphone app.

Kevin Higgs (Bosch product specialist, Europe North) said, “Our new Andiamo ACS machines help independent workshops to maximise profits by saving both time and money, and they’re more environmentally friendly too. The 99% refrigerant recovery rate raises the bar in aftermarket A/C servicing and technicians will love the smartphone features which enable you to query the current work status at any time and receive a push notification when the maintenance function is complete.”

Kevin added, “A/C is almost ubiquitous already and with electric and hybrid vehicles using it to heat and cool components its future is secure. Our industry benchmark training courses ensure that technicians develop the necessary skills, while our Bosch ACS machines make A/C servicing simple, safe and efficient. There’s really no reason why you should be letting customers go elsewhere when you can do it yourself, provide great customer service and generate additional revenue.”