Air Conditioning: Looking after your customers’ air conditioning needs

NEW FROM DAVIES CRAIG

Two high-power Thermatic Electric Fans have been added to Davies Craig’s product line-up

Australian manufacturer Davies Craig Pty Ltd has added two new Thermatic Electric Fans with increased ‘air force’ CFM (Cubic Ft/Min, m3) to its line-up. Both high-power 10-inch and 12-inch reversible Thermatic Electric Fans are now available in 12- and 24-volt variants. Davies Craig proudly offers these high-power automotive and air conditioning Thermatic Electric Fans to these two respective markets and that having conducted in-house wind tunnel tests, these four new Thermatic Electric Fans passed with flying colours.

Davies Craig says few may deny, temperatures generally are on the rise and having automotive cooling fans of this high capacity contributes to increased air flow. It states that these four, value-packed highpower Thermatic Electric Fans offer outstanding performance for their size, delivering a 40 percent increase in air flow over the standard 10-inch and 12-inch models. As with all Davies Craig Thermatic Electric Fans, these models are reversible for both up-stream and/or down-stream applications. The profile of the shroud of these new models matches exactly those of the standard Davies Craig 10-inch and 12-inch models. Further, Davies Craig has increased the warranty for the entire range of Thermatic Electric Fans from two to three years. Part numbers: • Part #0150 ~ 10” High Power Thermatic Electric

Fan 12v - 1000CFM, RRP $163.00 + GST • Part #0151 ~ 10” High Power Thermatic Electric

Fan 24v - 1000CFM, RRP $163.00 + GST • Part #0155 ~ 12” High Power Thermatic Electric

Fan 12v - 1250CFM, RRP $173.00 + GST • Part #0156 ~ 12” High Power Thermatic Electric

Fan 24v - 1250CFM, RRP $173.00 + GST For more information, visit www.daviescraig.com.au

BEAT THE HEAT

Give your air con a little TLC now before the summer season hits

Unique Auto Parts stocks many air conditioning parts for European makes including Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Mini, BMW, Skoda, Seat, Citroen, Porsche, Renault, Volvo, Peugeot, Audi, Land Rover and Fiat/Alpha. Parts include all the integral components to keep air conditioning systems running at their peak including receiver driers, TX valves, evaporators, pressure switches, blower fans, cabin filters and more to suit both passenger and commercial vehicles. Unique Auto Parts also stock compressors and condensers to keep the cold air flowing. In addition to air conditioning components, Unique Auto Parts says it also offers an “unbeatable” range of parts including brake systems, steering and suspension parts, filters, clutches, alternators and starter motors, engine and transmission mounts, cooling systems and electrical and ignition components. Unique Auto Parts explains that all stocked parts come from quality suppliers such as the prominent aftermarket manufacturers JP Group, Quinton Hazell and Carlube, which are all exclusively imported and distributed by Unique Auto Parts, as well as Meyle, Trucktec, Victor Reinz, Hella, Mahle, Hella Pagid Brake systems, Mann Filter, Bosch and SKF. Unique Auto Parts explains that it has five stores located around Victoria, Brisbane and Perth that can provide a quick delivery service to the surrounding area, as well as close working relationships with many couriers that allow quick and efficient delivery Australia wide. For more information, contact Unique Auto Parts on 1300 864 864 or sales@uniqueautoparts.com.au

ALEMLUBE KEEPS YOU COMFORTABLE

Four air conditioning recharge machines are available from Alemlube

Throughout Australia, Alemlube Automotive, a division of Alemlube, says it has built a reputation for excellence in distribution, sales and the total support of all automotive workshop servicing products. A very distinct and unique advantage of purchasing automotive air conditioning service units from Alemlube is the country wide installation, service and support network coupled to real industry experienced people, says Alemlube. Alemlube states that its team delivers “unequalled product service” and “certainly offers an industry leading approach to product knowledge, advice and after sales support.” Four air conditioning recharge machines are available from Alemlube: the AA1000, AA1500P, AA2000 and AA5000R. Alemlube says these machines provide true cutting edge technology and superb efficiency when it comes to recovery, recycling, evacuating and recharging of R134A refrigerant (AA5000R for use with refrigerant type R1234YF). The four units available from Alemlube reportedly make the recharge process quite simple which involves recovering the old refrigerant gas from the air-con system and recycling it before replacing this with the correct amount of new refrigerant and lubricant as per the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation. A vacuum test is also performed to ensure there are no cracks or damage in the customer’s vehicle air conditioning system that could cause the gas to leak out. Within 30 minutes the whole recharge process is completed resulting in once again having refreshing cool air, on demand. For more information, visit www.alemlube.com.au

ADRAD A/C COMPRESSOR KITS

For more than 1,700 applications

Back in 2015, Adrad released a selection of A/C Compressor Kits that combined all the major A/C system components needed to fully restore a failed air conditioning system. Being available in a single part number provided an easier (and cheaper) way for workshops to order a matching set of products, while adding an industry-leading three-year nationwide warranty made the package even sweeter, says Adrad. Each kit is made using quality parts and includes the Compressor; Condenser; Thermal Expansion Valve (or Orifice Tube) and Receiver Drier/ Accumulator. Hoses and fittings can be cleaned out and refitted but the critical parts are all new. As good repairers know, this the only way to fix the A/C system properly and make it as good as new, says Adrad. Kits also include a bottle of Air Conditioning System Treatment, Compressor Oil, Measuring Cup and System Guard Straps for security and tamper protection. The straps are important to ensure the three-year warranty is not voided by someone interfering later with the repair. Adrad says the concept has proven to be extremely popular with technicians around the country and so the range has continued to grow. How customers respond is the ultimate measure of success, and Adrad says its A/C Compressor Kits are an example of when a new product clearly addresses a need in the market. Adrad offers more than 200 different A/C Compressor Kits to cover around 1,700 applications – representing over 11 million vehicles on the road. They are available around the country from Adrad stockists or online. Need to replace or upgrade your workshop A/C equipment? Adrad says JAVAC products have a reputation in Australia for being “The Professional’s Choice.” Adrad supplies a variety of JAVAC vacuum pumps, charging stations, equipment and tools that it says will help prepare your workshop for the busy summer season. Need refrigerant? Adrad can supply licenced customers with R134A refrigerant in 11kg, 22kg and 65kg cylinders and R1234YF refrigerant in 4.5kg cylinders. Adrad’s air conditioning products range features a variety of OE and trusted quality aftermarket brands including Adair, Koyoair, DENSO, Delphi, Sanden, CPS, Javac, Ariazone, Mahle and Valeo. Adrad explains that its extensive warehouse and distribution network across Australia allows parts to be supplied quickly. For details, contact Adrad on 1800 882 043 or order using the Natrad Trade Online or Radshop websites.

DO SOMETHING COOL THIS SUMMER

Alcius is giving customers the chance to share in a $30,000-plus prize pool

Summer is with us once again and there is no doubt that air conditioning servicing and repair demands will be increasing significantly at Australia’s automotive workshops in line with the heat and increased use of family, commercial and recreational vehicles over the festive season break. To make things more exciting for air conditioning specialists and general repairers this summer, Alcius is running a prize filled trade promotion extending from November 1, 2022, to February 28, 2023. Ensuring that specialist air conditioning and general automotive repairers have the parts they need when they need them throughout the busy summer months, trade customers have the chance to do something cool this summer when they spend with Alcius. For every $300 spent on any Alcius product*, trade customers will receive one automatic entry into monthly draws to win their share of over $30,000 worth of prizes. There are a multitude of prizes available each month from November through to February. Three different prize pools will be given away each month of this Alcius trade promotion, consisting of first, second and third prizes. The opening month will see lucky Alcius customers winning either a $5,000 camping pack, a $2,000 Yeti Eski pack or a $500 fuel voucher. These are part of a range of very useful summer holiday prizes to be given away during this Alcius promotion that also includes water sports packs, active packs, relaxation packs and much more. Some of the items in the Alcius prize packs include golf clubs, Weber BBQs, inflatable boats, electric mountain bikes, Samsung TVs, bar fridges, Garmin sports watches and luggage sets. Alcius says it already offers the automotive aftermarket the most comprehensive air conditioning parts range that comprises of more than 6,500 part numbers. This summer finds an additional 750 part numbers added to the vast Alcius product range, ensuring all repairers have the air conditioning parts, tools and equipment that they need, exactly when they need them, says Alcius. Trade customers can take part in this promotion by ordering Alcius Complete Climate Control products from JAS Oceania, BaxtersMTQ, Burson Auto Parts, Truckline and WANO stores nationwide. Commercial and heavy-duty vehicle specialists are also well catered for with a major focus on expanding the Alcius range of light commercial and heavy-duty air-conditioning parts to meet the very specific requirements of owner driver and fleet operating customers. Alcius says its comprehensive and easily accessible range of automotive climate control components

CORGHI’S AIR-CONDITIONING RANGE

Corghi says its range is driving workshop profitability

Now is the time to ensure your workshop is geared up to take advantage of the seasonal increase in automotive air-conditioning servicing brought on by the fast approaching hot summer months. Corghi has a range of air-conditioning equipment that is says can help drive workshop profitability forward. Amongst Corghi’s product portfolio is the TECNOMOTOR by Corghi range of service equipment for automotive refrigerants, which has been designed specifically for cars and light-duty vehicles. The range is comprised of two fully automatic models, the A/C 1600 and the A/C 1605. The A/C 1600 is suitable for refrigerant R-134a, while the A/C 1605 is designed for vehicles in which R-1234yf refrigerant is used to charge the cooling system. “Globally, Corghi is on an aggressive acquisition program,” Corghi Australia General Manager, Andrew Cornwell, said. “We’ve aligned with the NEXION Group, and this is providing us with numerous opportunities to increase our product range to ensure we have a solution to fit every workshop profile.” The TECNOMOTOR by Corghi range allows the operator to select between manual and automatic functions for recovery, recycling, and recharge and is suitable for hybrid vehicles. “All models feature an easy-to-read seven-inch, 800 x 480 pixel TFT-LCD RGB display, as well as WiFi and BlueTooth connectivity,” Andrew said. “While those with a ‘P’ suffix in the model number indicate that these models come with a printer. “This gives workshop owners the option to provide their customers with a detailed service report.” Working in either manual or automatic configuration, the TECNOMOTOR by Corghi automotive air-conditioning service units will complete four critical functions: oil and refrigerant recovery, vacuum, micro-leak test, and finally, a new oil and refrigerant charge. “Both models feature an integrated heating band and a large 12kg capacity refrigerant tank that is easily assessable through a rear door to speed up unscheduled maintenance,” Andrew said. “As well as a rotary compressor with recovery efficiency that exceeds 98 percent.” Corghi says it has built a reputation on the foundations of innovation, quality and precision and that it is helping workshops embrace the latest in automated technology. For more information about the range, call 1800 CORGHI (267 444) or visit www.corghiaustralia.com.au

are specifically designed to withstand the demands of the Australian climate, providing confidence in each product’s technical quality and long term reliability. This commitment to quality is underpinned by a 24month Alcius extended warranty** that applies to most products in this extensive and unparalleled air conditioning parts range. Alcius invites you to be in the running to win by ‘Doing Something Cool This Summer’ with Alcius Complete Climate Control products through to February 28, 2023. For more from Alcius, visit www.alcius.com.au *Some Alcius refrigerant products are excluded from this promotion **For further information visit www.alcius.com.au

PAO-BASED LUBRICANTS

For thermal management in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

The Refrigerant Oil Company explains it pioneered the use of PAO-based oils in refrigeration over 20 years ago. The company says there are many reasons why you should consider using PAOIL in your workshop. Now, the company is producing PAO-based lubricants for thermal management in hybrid and electric vehicles. The company says it is doing so because users of the products found they recognised the advantages of the stability, purity and lubricity of polyalphaolefins (PAOs) for the industry. The Refrigerant Oil Company explains that the electrical properties of PAO make it suitable for high voltage electrical systems. NEW PRODUCT

Due to the increasing global importance of energy efficiency driving the use of lower viscosity lubricants, PAOIL is releasing a VG 46 series of oils (PAOIL AA4). VG 32 (PAOIL AA2). VG 68 (PAOIL AA1) and (PAOIL PL68) will still be available. Key features and benefits: • PAOIL is useable with all automotive compressor types including hybrid vehicle compressors. • PAO is also compatible with R134a and

R1234yf refrigerants. • PAOIL is suitable for the use in hybrid and electric vehicles (AA series is preferred but PL series may be used) • PAOIL has a high Viscosity Index meaning that

the oil maintains its viscosity and lubricating properties at high operating temperatures. • Unlike other lubricants PAO is nonhygroscopic: it does not readily absorb moisture. • Due to the inertness and inherent stability of

PAO, PAOIL has a five-year shelf life. • PAOIL is also available with an added UV dye to help with leak tracing. • PAOIL is universal: you need to stock one, rather than carry many different types of oil. • Safe to use: PAOIL is a non-hazardous, non-toxic product safe to have around the workshop. It is safe on painted surfaces, so no worries if accidentally spilt on vehicles. The Refrigerant Oil Company says the PAOIL PL series offers the same positive properties as the PAOIL AA series. This means it can be used as a complete oil replacement for A/C systems. The company adds that by using PAOIL, you can buy in bulk (PAOIL is available in 1L, 5L, and 20L container sizes). And with its five-year shelf life, you reportedly do not need to worry about the oil being unusable a couple of hours after opening. Workshops also do not need to stock multiple types of oil when using PAOIL, since PAOIL is suitable for use with a wide variety of automotive compressors and refrigerants. As such, PAOIL helps you to save money, says Ariazone and The Refrigerant Oil Company – which are fully Australian-owned companies based in Melbourne at the Global Headquarters and part of the ROC Group. Ariazone/PAOIL products are reportedly used in workshops in more than 40 counties worldwide. For more information, go to www.rocoil.com or www.ariazone.com or call 03 9338 7522.

COOL AIR ON A SUMMER’S DAY

Tridon offers an extensive range of Heater Fan Resistors and Air Conditioning Pressure Switches

Tridon says its range has been extensively researched for maximum market coverage, so there is no need to go to the dealer to purchase your high quality, direct replacement air conditioning parts. Common issues found with automotive air conditioners are lack of air flow, fans working on high or low speeds only, running constantly, not working on a particular speed or even not working at all. The most common cause of this is a failed heater fan resistor, says Tridon. Fan resistors are designed to operate the air conditioner/heater fan speed inside the vehicle. They operate by controlling the current flow to the fan motor, in turn changing the speed of the fan. Constant adjustments to the fan speed generate wear and tear on the resistor terminals, which in turn leads to shorting, or the resistor being burnt out resulting in eventual failure. Tridon’s range of Heater Fan Resistors are designed for direct replacement in your vehicle. Another common fault with air conditioning systems can be with the aircon pressure switch. These require replacement over time as the air conditioning may cease to function or a vehicle fault light will appear. They are a safety device that is fitted to all modern air conditioning systems. Placed in line with the cooling pipes, they monitor the air conditioning system pressure. If the pressure rises to dangerous levels, or if there is a sudden drop in pressure, it will shut off the compressor. This prevents damage to internal air-conditioning components and also to the compressor. Tridon’s range of air conditioning switches has been comprehensively researched to provide a broad coverage of high-quality OEM replacement parts. These have been developed to meet or exceed original equipment manufacturers specifications, making them direct replacements for the original switches in the vehicle. Live application data is available for all Tridon parts on Tridon Part Finder for the most up to date new vehicle applications. All applications are also available on major trade electronic catalogues. For more information, visit www.tridon.com.au or call 1300 362 263.

MASTERCOOL COMMANDER EQX3000

Repco Equipment explains hybrid vehicles present new challenges when it comes to servicing AC systems

Hybrid vehicles use electric compressors which require special handling of servicing equipment so that there is no contamination of oils. The Mastercool Commander EQX3000 airconditioning recovery/recycle/recharge (RRR) machine is specifically designed for these vehicles. The EQX3000 has options for both standard vehicles and hybrids, and incorporates a flush circuit using an add-on accessory that ensures there is no cross contamination when switching between types. Repco Equipment says the rising cost of refrigerant means RRR machines can now pay for themselves in one or two seasons, and their ability to perform almost an entire service unattended is a clear cost saving in a busy workshop. The Mastercool Commander EQX3000 was designed in the US to be a reliable method of servicing vehicle aircon units. It is also continually improved through remote firmware updates, and the Commander has been updated to version 9.0. This update includes the addition of email printing via an option on the completed job screen. The vehicle’s registration number, refrigerant recovered, oil recovered, and refrigerant usage can be included. This information can be sent to the customer’s email, the workshop email, or printed using the on-board thermal printer. Other features include data logs that can be extracted via USB, uploaded to a PC, and viewed in Excel. Remote diagnostics have also been improved with a drop-down service menu. Mastercool Commander is designed to meet the SAE J2788 standard, which means it must achieve a 95 percent refrigerant recovery rate with 95 percent purity within 30 minutes. For trucks or other large vehicles, the Commander has been tested to perform charges at 2.5kg or more. The charge hoses can be extended up to 10m without the need for recalibration. Other features include: • Manual and automatic functions. • Eight-inch Windows tablet PC command centre. • Two programmable bottles for oil and/or dye injection with individual load cells (standard vehicles only). • Automatic and manual purging of noncondensable gases (NCGs). • Large Class 1.0 analogue gauges. • Multi-coloured visual system-status LED. • 142L/min vacuum pump. The machine includes on-board instructions with user prompts for each step. Remote set-up and training are also possible. The only machine maintenance required is a filter change and vacuum-pump oil change, prompted by alerts. Mastercool Inc is a US-based, family-owned company that has been in the air conditioning business for 40 years. Local service and technical back-up are available in both Australia and New Zealand through Repco. For more information, contact Repco Equipment on 1800 224 581.

THE DENSO DIFFERENCE

DENSO offers a range of quality A/C components

From A/C compressors to condensers to evaporators, DENSO says its premium range of A/C components offer efficient and reliable heating, ventilation and cooling. Compressors

DENSO says it brings together everything it knows as an air conditioning systems manufacturer to bring customers the highest quality line of factorynew compressors available. It says DENSO compressors are manufactured and tested to the strictest OE standards for unparalleled performance, because it knows drivers and their passengers expect a comfortable cabin environment on every journey, whatever the weather. Key features: • Unmatched reliability with over 40 percent market share • No core charge or deposit • High quality product with extremely low warranty ratio • Compressor delivered as complete assemblies and pre-filled with the right amount of oil • 100 percent perfect match to vehicle specifications. Condensers

DENSO condensers are designed to integrate seamlessly with your vehicle’s original air conditioning system. DENSO says their premium aluminium construction improves reliability and resists corrosion, whilst the superior fin wave design offers higher heat transfer and maximum refrigerant condensation. All DENSO condensers are designed to decrease foreign particle deposits, keeping your entire A/C system running at optimal performance. Key features: • Bolt-in replacement; no brackets and adapters • Reduces required compressor power, resulting in improved fuel economy • Restores A/C performance to as-new condition • Pure aluminium construction provides greater resistance for corrosion • Zinc diffusion layer improves corrosion resistance • Unique fin design to minimise airflow blockage Evaporators

DENSO says its Revolutionary Slim (RS) and Multitank Superslim (MS) evaporators are the newest types of evaporators used in vehicles today. DENSO’s evaporator configurations, tanks, fin pitch, core dimensions and materials meet OE manufacturer’s rigid specifications. For more information and to find out where to buy, visit www.denso.com.au

INNOVATIVE CABIN COOLING SOLUTIONS

NAPA Auto Parts is proud to carry Australia’s range of Red Dot climate control units

As the temperature heats up, NAPA Auto Parts says there is no better time to expand your air conditioning parts and workshop equipment with the latest products from the world’s leading brands in its portfolio, including Red Dot. In 2019, Red Dot proudly awarded Master Distributor Status to GPC Asia Pacific, meaning NAPA Auto Parts is the first port of call for quality Red Dot units in Australia. NAPA Auto Parts says Red Dot’s range of climate control units for transport and heavy machinery is second to none. With units developed for trucking, agriculture, industrial and construction applications, each Red Dot cabin cooling solution is built to last in our rugged and demanding environment. NAPA Auto Parts Senior Product Manager, Tim Boyd, says it is important to select the right Red Dot unit for your application to ensure you get the performance you need from your air conditioning system. “Whether it is a self-contained rooftop unit, a ceiling mount evaporator, one that sits between the seats or elsewhere in the cab, it is vital to pair the selected evaporator with the optimum condenser based on capacity, style and available mounting space,” Tim said. For cabs with a lot of glass or cabs not suited for roof mounted units, ceiling mount units are all about offering maximum performance utilising minimal space; match them to a remote mount condenser unit to ensure they perform to your requirements. Wall mounted units can be positioned between seats or anywhere alongside the operator and range from compact designs for smaller cabs to larger unit designs for cabs that require plenty of cooling. Remote condenser units, installed away from the cabin, are commonly used in agricultural and offroad applications and should be matched with the applicable evaporator. Remote condenser units are typically mounted on the roof however, many units can be mounted behind the cab, on engine covers or frame rails. NAPA Auto Parts says you can be assured that Red Dot has the right combination of units available for your vehicle, no matter the voltage or whether it’s designed for off- or on-highway applications. For more information about Red Dot products, see the team at your local NAPA Auto Parts – visit www.napaparts.com.au for a full list of locations.

COOL AND FRESH

The HVAC system does not only increase driving comfort, but safety as well

Even if most car owners believe that HVAC systems are maintenance-free, MAHLE says the system should be serviced every few years. As in life, so it goes in the HVAC system: without a little pressure, nothing would ever get done. The refrigerant circuit requires a pressure range up to almost 18 bar. Although the HVAC system is self-contained, it loses a bit of refrigerant during the year, mostly through the hoses and numerous gaskets. To determine the amount of refrigerant left in the system, you must first extract it and then measure the exact quantity. Once extracted, MAHLE explains the system is depressurised and can be serviced, for example, by replacing the filter dryer. The 0.02mbar high precision vacuum pump of the MAHLE A/C service unit then creates a vacuum throughout the entire refrigerant circuit. The high vacuum removes any remaining moisture from the system. At the same time, this also serves as a leak tightness test: if the vacuum remains constant, the system isn’t leaking. After the testing is completed, the MAHLE A/C service unit automatically refills the system with precisely the specified quantity of refrigerant. MAHLE says its E³ technology ensures that no refrigerant is released into the environment. Furthermore, the amount of refrigerant oil that was lost in the extraction process is automatically replaced with fresh refrigerant oil. Too late is much too late

An amount of refrigerant oil circulates through the system with the refrigerant. This oil mist keeps hoses and gaskets flexible. If there is too little refrigerant in the system, the gaskets and hoses become brittle and leaky. The compressor suffers too. Its job is to compress as much refrigerant as is required to achieve the desired temperature in the passenger cabin. If there is less than the minimum required amount of refrigerant, the compressor must work at full load, which overheats causing the refrigerant oil to burn and coke, which reduces its lubricity. Worse still, metallic abrasions and chips from the compressor may damage the whole system. It is recommended to install a new cabin air filter as part of an A/C service. MAHLE says it is proud to make sure the climate is right. For more information about the MAHLE thermal management range, please visit www.mahle-aftermarket.com or email to mapl.sales@mahle.com

ALCIUS A/C TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Alcius says now is the time to update

With summer fast approaching, there’s no better time to ensure you have all of the right air conditioning service tools and equipment on hand to maximise opportunities in your workshop. Alcius is part of Bapcor, Australasia’s largest automotive aftermarket specialised company, and says it has all of your air conditioning service tools covered. The comprehensive Alcius range of tools covers the requirements of: • single operation repairers; • on-site service vans; • large fleets of service vans; and • the largest of automotive workshops. With premium quality air conditioning service equipment to suit all refrigerants and meet all industry standards, Alcius has a manifold set, Vacuum pump, leak detection method or refrigerant recovery and recycle solution for your business. The vast Alcius Air Conditioning tools and equipment range is displayed across more than 50 pages in the Alcius Complete Climate Control Catalogue. From fully automatic refrigerant, recovery and recharge units designed and manufactured by leading companies, through to basic dash thermometers, Alcius says its comprehensive air conditioning service tool and equipment range will ensure that you always have the tool you need, when you need it. Alcius provides quality air conditioning service tools to suit a wide range of applications, including: • passenger cars; • light commercial; • heavy duty; • mining; and • agricultural vehicles. As such, Alcius says its range covers the entire spectrum required by the Australian automotive service and repair industry. To locate your closest Alcius stockist, visit www.alcius.com.au

NEXT FUTURE:GAS REFRIGERANT ROADSHOW ANNOUNCED

The next roadshow is expected to be held between July and September, 2023

In the six years since the first future:gas refrigerant roadshow took place, there have been changes of government on both sides of the Tasman, escalating uptake of electrified vehicles and the unprecedented use of the word ‘unprecedented’ caused by a seemingly relentless barrage of plague, fire and flood. While all that has been going on, a lot of change has emerged in the world of refrigerants, so it is time for another future:gas. Refrigerants are still changing, with some of the changes discussed in previous future:gas seminars happening faster than expected and some slower. There are also some unexpected developments and curveballs in the mix. Everyone in the industry needs to be aware of what is happening in the market, what the laws are and how they could be changing. For this reason, the 2023 future:gas roadshows will assemble expert speakers to discuss and explain the latest on the recovery and handling of new refrigerants, the laws that will influence each part of the industry, and what this will mean for the day-to-day life of those in the business of handling refrigerants. For example, show organisers state the obituary has been written for R134a, so we all need to understand what that means for us. In addition, more alternative refrigerants and technologies are on the horizon as the global automotive industry grapples with the technical challenge of simultaneously keeping vehicle occupants comfortable and every component of an electrified drivetrain at optimum operating temperature while achieving maximum energy efficiency – preferably with a one-size-fits-all solution that can work in any climate in order to achieve economies of scale. This might not be R1234yf and almost definitely will not be R744. All this, against a backdrop of new governments with different agendas, mounting pressure to act fast on climate change, the advent of mandatory repair information sharing between car manufacturers and independent repairers, accelerating momentum toward the deletion of internal combustion engines from an increasing number of global car brands, and supply chains that have been disrupted and re-shaped due to pandemics, war, drought, floods and much more. Suffice to say, next winter’s future:gas roadshow will be a must-see, say show organisers. The roadshow is planned to run between July and September 2023, taking in the following proposed locations (subject to change): Auckland (NZ), Melbourne (VIC), Adelaide (SA), Newcastle (NSW), Brisbane (QLD), Perth (WA), Canberra (ACT), Sydney (NSW), Darwin (NT) and Townsville (QLD). For more details about confirmed locations, speakers and seminar topics, readers can sign up for the free newsletter at www.futuregas.ac/ automotive As previously, organisers state they cannot run these vital information sessions without the generosity of corporate and industry sponsorship and invites potential supporters to email support@ futuregas.ac to get in touch about supporting future:gas 2023. For more information, visit www.futuregas.ac

CPS CARSMART

Now at CoolDrive

CPS Products has been supplying tools and test equipment to the Australian automotive air conditioning industry for over 30 years with the brand said to be synonymous with quality supported by nationwide technical and service back-up. Available through CoolDrive Auto Parts, the CPS automatic recover/recycle/reclaim machines are highlighted by the FX series single circuit dual refrigerant machines and the FA series multiple refrigerant single circuit range, all made possible by the TR series patented technology compressor. CPS has also recently complemented its range with the addition of the European designed and manufactured CarSmart series, meaning that its range now covers all workshop automotive airconditioning machine needs. With both R134A and R1234YF models, the CPS CarSmart series has been designed with ease of use for the technician. The units come equipped with an easy-to-read icon-based display without the need to manually operate the valves, a comprehensive vehicle database, multi-lingual software and the ability to set up to 30 custom vehicles’ data per machine. Additional key features include analogue gauges with highlighted operation zones, a system performance test function, the ability to add extra refrigerant if required and the cylinder heater blanket allows quick charging even in the cooler months without the need to run the engine. The CarSmart series offers oil and dye injection standard on the R134A model and oil injection only on R1234YF model, with easy access to the replacement bottles which are mounted externally on the front of the machine. There is also a handy solid metal front tray for storage of hoses and couplers. The machines are Hybrid compatible so workshops can work on standard vehicles as well as vehicles with electric air conditioning compressors. They are also fully automatic, or can be used manually. The compact design makes it easy to manoeuvre the units throughout the workshop, with the supplied 3m charging hoses allowing the technician to continue performing other work on the vehicle without hinderance. The CarSmart series comes with a full Australian 12-month warranty, plus continued technical support. For more information, contact CoolDrive Auto Parts via www.cooldrive.com.au