Servicing You Car Air Con

Servicing You Car Air Con

Keep Your Cool: The Importance of Regular Auto Air Conditioning Service

As the temperatures soar and summer hits its peak, your vehicle’s air conditioning becomes more than a luxury—it’s a necessity. However, many drivers overlook the crucial maintenance required to keep their auto air conditioning system running smoothly. At Monteltham Auto Electric, we understand the significance of a well-functioning AC system, which is why we’re here to highlight the importance of regular servicing and offer our expertise in keeping you cool on the road.

Why Regular Car Air Con Service Matters:

1. Optimal Performance: Over time, your car’s air conditioning system can accumulate dust, debris, and moisture, leading to reduced efficiency. Regular servicing helps maintain optimal performance, ensuring your AC blows cold air when you need it most.

2. Preventive Maintenance: Just like any other mechanical component, preventive maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs down the road. Routine servicing allows our experienced technicians to identify and address minor issues before they escalate into major problems.

3. Extended Lifespan: A well-maintained air conditioning system lasts longer. By investing in regular service, you not only ensure comfort during your summer drives but also prolong the lifespan of your AC components, saving you money in the long run.

What Does a Car Air Conditioning Service Include?

Our comprehensive auto air conditioning service covers a range of essential tasks to keep your system in top condition:

1. Visual Inspection: Our technicians conduct a thorough visual inspection of your AC system, checking for leaks, damage, and visible signs of wear.

2. Refrigerant Check: We assess the refrigerant levels to ensure they are at the manufacturer’s recommended levels. If needed, we recharge the system with the appropriate refrigerant to restore optimal cooling performance.

3. Component Testing: We test crucial components such as the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and blower motor to ensure they are functioning correctly.

4. Filter Replacement: Dirty or clogged air filters can restrict airflow, reducing the efficiency of your AC system. We replace these filters as part of our service to ensure proper airflow and air quality.

5. Cleaning and Deodorizing: We clean the evaporator coils and vents to remove any buildup of mold, mildew, or bacteria, ensuring fresh and clean air circulation inside your vehicle.

6. System Lubrication: Lubrication is essential for the smooth operation of moving parts within your AC system. We lubricate bearings, pulleys, and other components to minimize friction and reduce wear.

Expert Repairs for Faulty Systems:

In addition to regular servicing, Monteltham Auto Electric specializes in diagnosing and repairing faulty auto air conditioning systems. Whether it’s a compressor failure, refrigerant leak, or electrical issue, our skilled technicians have the knowledge and expertise to get your AC up and running again.

We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to pinpoint the root cause of the problem swiftly. Once identified, we provide transparent explanations of the issue and offer cost-effective repair solutions to suit your budget and needs.

Don’t Sweat It—Trust the Experts:

With scorching temperatures outside, don’t let a malfunctioning air conditioning system leave you sweating behind the wheel. At Monteltham Auto Electric, we’re committed to keeping you cool and comfortable on the road with our reliable servicing and expert repairs.

Schedule your auto air conditioning service today and experience the difference firsthand. Beat the heat and enjoy a refreshing drive with Monteltham Auto Electric by your side.

 

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Why you need Trailer Brake Controller

Why you need Trailer Brake Controller

R EDARC Tow-Pro Electric Trailer Brake Controller

Why you need Trailer Brake Controller

It is reasonable to understand that when towing a trailer, you now have two vehicle loads to consider, when applying the brakes and bringing two vehicles safely to a halt. If you are towing a caravan you now have 2.5 tons extra to bring under control.

The Redarc Tow-Pro Electric Trailer Brake Controller offers you control over your trailer giving you a feeling of safety and control, a much smoother drive. The controller is fully adjustable and if you have to suddenly brake hard both your vehicle and the trailer or caravan will brake simultaneously and come safely to a stand still.

Why you need Trailer Brake Controller
remote head

MODES

The REDARC Tow-Pro Electric Trailer Brake Controller has two modes:

  1. Proportional – (Inertia Sensing) – Automatic
  2. User Controlled – It is possible to control just the trailers brakes and still bring on both vehicles brake lights.

INSTALLATION

The main unit is fitted unseen under the dash. Outside on the dash is placed a single “Remote Head” dial. With this head dial, the braking is controlled via the modes that are available. See Redarc Vidio

 

If you would like to get someone to call you or leave a message by sending off your details with the form below:

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Why you need Trailer Brake Controller
Caravan Solar Panels & Batteries & Power Systems

Caravan Solar Panels & Batteries & Power Systems

The use of Solar Panels for Caravans

There are multiple reasons as to why you should Install Solar Panels onto Caravans. They are essentially an economical, sustainable and convenient energy supplier to your Caravan. Here is a list of the advantages to solar panel instillation Eltham.

Caravan Solar Panels | How do they work? | The Eco Experts
Solar Panel for Caravans Eltham

Advantages of Solar Panels

Economical – Though the initial cost of buying and installing solar panels can have a fair price, there are no ongoing costs after that. The long term savings that solar panels will give you will make up for the original costs as you will never have to shell out for power.

Sustainable – If Sustainability is a priority of yours, considering solar panels is a great step to reducing your carbon emissions. This is because solar panels use sustainable energy from the sun a renewable source.

Convenient – As solar panels require nothing but the sun, they are an incredibly convenient purchase for caravanners. They don’t require fuel or oil like Generators do, therefore, as long as you have a good quality battery to store the energy when you have no access to the sun, you will constantly be in access to power.

What will Need Powering

When deciding on the type of Solar panel and how many you require, you have to consider how many appliances you will need to power within your Caravan.

Most likely if you plan to be travelling and living out of your caravan, these are the things you will have to consider powering :

  • Stove (if not a gas stove)
  • Phone and electrics charging
  • Air conditioning
  • Fridge
  • Any extra lamps or lighting

What power do Appliances Need?

In order to understand the size and type of solar panel you need you need to know what appliances you will be having in your caravan and which need powering. Here is a list of the average power each appliance needs.

How much Electricity can you expect per kW of Solar Panels?

It strongly depends on your location and how much energy your solar panels will provide you with, as well as the weather, the time of year and the time of day. It all relies on the sun.

Solar Power systems are rated in watts of kilowatts. Roughly about 1kW of solar panels equals to 4kW of electricity produced each day. For each kW of solar panels you can expect about 4kW of power per day of electricity generation. A 6.6kW solar system will generate about 26.4kW on a generally sunny day.

What kind of Solar Panels are there?

Glass solar panels – Which are the oldest kind of solar panels, have a rigid frame, get attached to the roof with mounting brackets and are a good solution in household instillations.

Mobile Applications – Are semi flexible which offers advantages, and can be directly applied to the roof of a caravan, yet can be more expensive.

Folding Panels – Can be both glass and flexible and are especially popular with campers and caravans due to how you can adjust the angle of the panel depending on the angle of the sun for optimum light absorption.

Basic Caravan Solar System

The solar system is broken down into four major components. The solar panel, regulator, battery and inverter. Firstly the solar panel converts sunlight into DC electricity which charges the battery. The regulator makes sure is charged properly and doesn’t get damaged from over-charging or over discharging. Then the battery stores the energy and can directly charge DC appliances, however AC appliances need an inverter to convert the energy.

Caravan Solar Panel
source: solaronline.com

What size Battery do you need?

The most common Caravan battery set up that will be sold to you will include 2 x 180amp batteries, with with 2x 150watt solar panels on the roof, and a 40AC caravan battery charger.  This will give you the basic convenience of running your 12 volt appliances off your battery system, and have the ability to re-charge your caravan batteries through mains 240 volt power connected to your caravan or 12volt solar panels mounted on your roof.

Depending on how many people are living in the caravan, as well as the size, you may need a larger system. This system works for about two people .

Why you shouldn’t use your car battery to power caravan supplies

In theory it is possible to power your caravan appliances on your car battery, however it is designed to be fully charged and deliver a power pack charge of energy in short bursts to crank over your engine before being quickly fully charged again. This means the car battery is designed to operate at close to 100% capacity levels for optimum longevity. Caravan batteries however, work better and last longer when they are getting a deep cycle when you are drawing a lower and more consistent supply of energy. You will be replacing the car battery far more often which is not economical when there are solutions like solar power.

Smartstart Alcohol Interlock

Smartstart Alcohol Interlock

Monteltham Autoelectrics serve your local area and provide auto-electricial and mechanical services for all your vehicle requirements. As authorised Smart Start Interlocks installers, provide everthing you require and need to know about the Mandatory Victorian Alcohol Interlock Program.

For your information, obtaining and installing an alcohol interlock in your vehicle, being relicensed with an alcohol interlock licence condition, shows you are participanting in the Victorian Alcohol Interlock Program. The Smartstart alcohol interlock is a breath testi, the device operates electronically and prevents any car or vehicle from being started if alcohol is detected.

The Smartstart alcohol interlock also requires breath tests at intervals during your driving trip and records the breath tests. Of course if alcohol is detected whilts the test you will not be able to start your vehicle.
Monteltham Autoelectrics are authorised installers of Smart Start Interlock devices and all have been government approved for use in the Mandatory Victorian Alcohol Interlock Program.

Monteltham Autoelectrics service a wide area around Montmorency including Eltham, Greensborough, Bundoora, Templestowe, Diamond Creek, Thomas Town, Preston, Heidelberg and infact, we help everybody Melbourne wide with car repairs, car servicing and any auto issue you may be having.

GOOD REASONS TO USE MONTELTHAM AUTOELECTRICS
Monteltham Autoelectrics are government authorised to install Smartstart Interlock decices.
We are dedicated to provide the highest level of professionalism and customer service.

Great location – Right in the middle of the Greensborogh, Eltham, Budoora, Heidelberg area
We realise your time is valuable and we give you quick appointment and turn-around times.
Our staff are friendly, well informed and happy to help.
Experienced auto-electricians with presice and detailed information to present you with the facts.
Smartstart interlock support line
Our products are easy to understand and to opperate. We teach you all you need to know without complication.

THE SMARTSTART INTERLOCK PROGRAM, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
This government program, the Victorian Alcohol Interlock Program (VAIP) can be hard to take in and understand first go, we help you to get up to speed with the program. The basics is simple, you separate your drinking from your driving.

VICTORIAN ALCOHOL INTERLOCK PROGRAM.

If you have been disquallified from driving due to a drinking and driving offence, then the Smartstart Interlock program allows you to drive under strict conditions, which state that no driving is allowed if there is any alcohol detected in your body. The Smartstart Interlock system checks your breath before you are allowed to drive. You cannot start the car without passing this breath test. Simple really. Also The Smartstart Interlock measures and record alcohol levels every time the driver is tested. The data is downloaded monthly and forwarded to monitoring authorities.

Prerequisites are eligibility for relicensing, and zero driving bans and then we can install a Smartstart device into your vehicle.
An alcohol installation certificate will be issued as evidence that you have had an alcohol interlock installed in your vehicle and this certificate is a requirement of relicensing.
When all requirements have been fulfilled you apply for a licence with a condition “I” and you become a participant of the Victorian Alcohol Interlocks Program. You are then required to have an approved alcohol interlock installed in all vehicle you drive on Australian roads.

WHAT TO DO NEXT?
Call us to get a quote and make an appointment for your interlock installation
Before installation, ensure that you are eligible to be relicensed and don’t have any driving bans due to start
Arrange for someone to drive you and your vehicle to your installation appointment
Concession card discounts apply (ask us if your concession card is valid for the program)

You can also get more information here

 

Deep Cycle AGM Batteries

Deep Cycle AGM Batteries

Lithium car batteries

Lithium is the lightest of the solid elements and is the most popular types of rechargeable batteries. The very first lithium batteries were not rechargeable.

It has one of the best energy/weight ratios. The self-discharge rate is also low so when it is not in use it does not lose its charge very quickly.

In fact, lithium batteries were initially unstable and unsafe and around charging times they were particularly unsafe making them unsuitable for the market. This is when they discovered that lithium-ion was the way to go.

Being twice the energy density of standard nickel-cadmium batteries they make an excellent car battery. Lithium-ion batteries do not require much maintenance and on top of this advantage, they do not require memory or scheduling cycling.

Traditionally Lithium Batteries have been used only for Hybrids but they can be used in normal petrol engine cars and especially in 4WD where a second battery is used to power camping utilities such as camping fridges and power inverters. In this case, a normal lead-acid battery is used for the first battery and the Lithium Battery is used for the camping or alternate use requirement. Where you are travelling for long periods you need a second battery so as not to rely on your main car battery essential for starting the engine.

So to be clear the advantages of a Lithium Battery is their weight, they are much lighter than lead-acid batteries. They also cope with the charge and discharge cycles a lot better than the traditional lead-acid batteries. However, there are a few disadvantages which should be mentioned. Compared with a lead-acid battery a Lithium Battery’ output will drop a lot faster when the temperature decreases. They do require proper charging and can have cell failure if not charged as manufacturers recommendations. They are also quite expensive in comparison. A well-designed Lithium Batteries however do not cause these problems such as the EnerDrive Lithium Batteries.

Deep Cycle AGM battery

An alternative to the Lithium Battery is a Deep Cycle AGM battery which is a lead-acid battery but with several differences. AGM is short for Absorbent Glass Material.
So the battery has 6 cells of around 2 volts each making 12 in total. The positive and negative lead oxide plates react with the sulfuric acid electrolyte producing electrons and this electrolyte is suspended by the sponge-like glass fibre maintaining an even distribution with the lead oxide plates.

Although the AGM battery is sensitive to over or undercharging it is basically sealed and needs no maintenance so you can not spill any of the contents. They are mostly shockproof and do not corrode. They also are more efficient at discharging and recharging. It is claimed they have higher starting power. In general, they do cost more.

Another advantage is they typically last sometimes more than twice the regular lead-acid battery. When supplying a twin battery for a camper or 4WD we usually provide and install the DC105-12 Deep Cycle AGM Battery as the second utility battery.

What is the Deep Cycle part of the name mean? Traditional car batteries were not designed for continuous draining and recharge as they are used to start the engine and are then used for small power uses while the engine is running and the battery is continually being recharged. However, if you are using the second battery system as a power supply for your camping fridge you will not have the car running at the time and there will be a constant drain on the battery. A deep cycle battery will have thicker plates which help it cope with constant charging and recharging. The thicker the plates the longer it will last.

Deep Cycle batteries are designed to provide a steady amount of current over a long period of time. Deep-cycle batteries can be repeatedly discharged and recharged without causing damage or shortening their life.