HVAC Service, 1 Year Old Car

bombardier

I'm having my 2009 Chevy Malibu in for bi-annual service. They usually try to get me to do the HVAC cleaning service (which I think is entirely unnecessary). My mechanic was pretty honest with me about it saying I don't need it, especially on a new car. I only have about 12,000km on it too in a year so it's not heavily used. It's stored in an underground garage so there is also not a lot of environmental elements getting at it.

Basically what I'm asking is, when would this really be necessary? From what I understand it's a cleaning of all the ductwork, as well as an inspection of the heating/cooling elements as well. I would probably say no to it until closer to 3 years when the warranty is nearing up. The weather here is pretty fair as well so even when I am driving, it doesn't get used aside from the occasional defrost.

Arikado

When was the last time the air filter was changed?

iglidante

I usually get my air filter checked when I get my oil changed. Bombs, your car is still pretty much brand-fucking-new. 12k, as fine folk say, ain't no thang.

...personally, I think you're at least fine to do the HVAC only once a year, instead of twice.

bombardier

Arikado wrote: »

When was the last time the air filter was changed?

The vehicle's air filter, or does the HVAC have a separate one?

It's going in on Monday. Pretty sure they haven't changed any air filters yet.

Arikado

I'd say have them look at your filter and replace it if it's getting dirty/gunky.

I don't think you will need a full cleaning for a long time.

Weretaco

There is probably a cabin air filter that could be swapped. I've never bothered in my car because it's not strictly necessary. I'm also betting it's something you can do in 5 mins on your own too (just like a normal air filter)

Iceman.USAF

At 12,000 km there's nothing air wise that needs changing really.

eternalbl

Changing the cabin air filter might be an idea, but you can probably do that yourself. If they're talking about a service though, it probably means spraying something in the AC ducts to kill mold and stuff and then a deodorizer. Pretty much unnecessary, just makes your car smell (arguably) nice for a while. If you ask me it smells like vodka breath covered with peppermints.

RUNN1NGMAN

If your car's like most new cars, it has a HEPA filter for the cabin. So there's really no point to getting the ducts cleaned because there's already a friggin' HEPA filter that's cleaning everything out of the air before it goes into the ducts.

webguy20

Look up online for your car to see if the cabin filter is easy to change. Some have easy access and some you have to tear half the dash apart to get to.

a penguin

yeah air filters and whatot are generally pretty easy to change, and you'll save some money by doing it yourself.

Personally, I'd only "service the HVAC" if there was a problem. At 1 year old, there shouldn't be anything wrong with that car.

bombardier

Cool, I'll check out the cabin filter thing. Looks like it's beneath the glovebox.

Also the HVAC cleaning thing just screams 'unnecessary service that rich people who don't know any better get'. I think I'll live without it.