Car service with Heating System Decontamination Service.

[Lupino]

Does anyone have an opinion or experience on car heating system decontamination service?

We’ve just had our car serviced and they have suggested a service to eliminate viruses; bacteria; and fungi within the car. Having COPD I just want to reduce any lung problems.

With many thanks. Warm regards to all. 😊xx

[Bevvy]

Not heard of this and I would be concerned that is a bit of a con….. when my car is serviced they always clear the air filters to aid my breathing but don’t do anything else. Am sure if they thought what you have been told they would have said something to me.

[Lupino in reply to Bevvy]

Hello Bevvy,

I’m inclined to agree with you. Our car is 10 years old and they check the filter every year, whatever that means.

Stay well and safe.🤗

[Threecats]

Hi Lupino

I once had a problem with a bad smell in my car that I couldn’t trace. I took it to my local garage I’ve been using for a long time and is very trustworthy. They explained that bacteria can build up in the air conditioning trunking and the way to combat it is to whack the heating into its highest setting with the air con on and the fan, and drive the car like that for 30 mins with the windows wound down. The heat kills the bugs apparently. I did that and it solved the problem.

Not sure that’s of much help but it might be an easier fix, if that’s what’s needed.

[Lupino in reply to Threecats]

Hello Threecats, It looks as if it doesn’t hurt to try this. When it gets colder I will give it a go. Thanks again. Take care. 😊xx

[MoyB]

Is your car a Honda, by any chance? Our Jazz went to the main dealer for a service this year and we had the air con filters etc cleaned and renewed while it was there as the car was second hand and I thought it would be a good idea to do it. Then we had a call asking if we would like it decontaminated. We said we didn't as the air con clean should be sufficient. They didn't argue but they phoned us umpteen times offering different add ons 'while the car is here'. They even offered to do the MOT, even though it wasn't due. When we said, 'No,' to that one, they said, 'Oh, well you'll need to bring it back again in two months.' So what?! We're only 2 miles from the garage, not 200.

I think you were probably offered a genuine service, but I think some garages may have been cashing in on people's paranoia about COVID and jumping on the bandwagon as I believe it was mainly done for taxis, which is understandable.

xx Moy

[Lupino in reply to MoyB]

Hello Moy, Thanks for your reply and how you have dealt with this. We have a Toyota Yaris and this offer is the first time when being serviced. We’ll wait until next year to make a decision. Take care. 😊xx

[Hidden]

I thought it was the aircon system that needs regular maintenance...every 2-3 years ... to keep it functioning properly and to get rid of the bacteria that build-up inside the system and can cause smells.

[Lupino in reply to Hidden]

Hello Sones93, Yes, I also thought that the air conditioning unit was what was usually serviced, but this offer included the heating. Thanks for replying. Take care. 😊xx

[LissacFrance]

If it only requires changing the filter on the heating system OK. If they are proposing anything major then I would be wary. I leave my AirCon on all the time, and change the filter every 2 years, and there are no smells in the car.

[Lupino]

Hello LissacFrance, I think I will do as you do and keep the air con as much as possible. My husband has also recommended this. As Toyota only suggested this treatment as optional I’ll leave this at present. Thanks again. 😊xx

[panthor]

Hi Lupino,

Air conditioning systems require a proper cleanout like they are saying to eliminate bacteria, bugs and funghi. These are caused by the condensation within the system. I too use my aircon all the time.

I have the filter changed and a cleanout every year. It's too late if you wait for bad odours, as that means that you've been breathing in the nasties for a long time and for us lungies that's no good at all.

So I keep on top and have them done yearly.

[Lupino in reply to panthor]

Hello Panther, Thanks for replying. I’m going to look into this at the next service. Anything to keep lungs as clear as possible. Take care. 😊xx

[Madbiker1]

Nasties do build up in the HVAC system on a car. You can even buy an aerosol from motor factors that you activate with the air con operating. Do it once a year.

[Lupino in reply to Madbiker1]

Thanks Madbiker1, for your reply. Feel more confident in making an informed decision for the next car service. 🤗xx