06.07.2026 00:31
In Elazig, auto electrician Levent Karakulak stated that vehicle air conditioners without periodic maintenance cause serious malfunctions such as compressor lock and radiator fouling, which can result in costs of at least 50 thousand lira.
As temperatures rise, vehicle air conditioning usage reaches its peak, prompting technical experts to warn vehicle owners about commonly held misconceptions and neglected periodic maintenance.
IT CREATES THE GROUND FOR COSTLY MECHANICAL DAMAGE
It was stated that failing to replace the AC gas and pollen filter on time, or neglecting maintenance, as well as leaving the system inactive for long periods, sets the stage for costly mechanical damage in vehicles. Auto electrical and maintenance repair master Levent Karakulak noted that the AC system, like other engine parts, needs regular operation; if the system is inactive for extended periods, the AC gas loses its properties, and the system runs without oil, leading to compressor failures.
“IT CAN COST UP TO 50,000 TL”
Drawing attention to how lack of maintenance directly damages system components, master technician Karakulak said, "One of our main problems in summer is AC cooling. If we do not replace the AC's maintenance and gas on time and do not actively use the system, larger problems can occur in the vehicle. The AC system and AC gas are not like LPG used in vehicles. If we do not use the AC, the AC gas depletes faster and loses its properties. There is a common misconception among users: in fact, the AC should be used continuously. If we do not run the AC, the AC gas cannot circulate in the system. This causes the cooling property to be lost very early and damages the AC further. Because the AC system remains without oil, issues like compressor lock-up or radiator corrosion occur. In such cases, a minimum cost of 50,000 lira can arise right now. If we perform proper and routine maintenance, the maximum cost we might face is 2,000 lira. If maintenance is not done and the pollen filter is not replaced, the heater motor may fail, resulting in a minimum cost of 50,000 lira."
“I COULDN'T FIND A TECHNICIAN WHO COULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM”
Based on his experience, customer Eren Yıldız emphasized the importance of periodic maintenance for vehicle longevity, saying: "I had a serious problem with my car's AC some time ago. To solve the issue, I toured the entire industrial zone of Malatya and also visited Elazığ. However, I couldn't find a technician in either city who could fix my car's problem. Later, on a friend's recommendation, I came here and saw craftsmanship that no one else could achieve."
“DRIVERS NEED TO ACT THOUGHTFULLY”
"Overall, there is intense workload in the sector; the situation is the same all over Turkey, in Malatya and Elazığ. AC maintenance is especially important in summer. This is critical both for in-vehicle comfort and the mechanical health of the vehicle. Because when AC maintenance and refrigerant are neglected, this oversight can turn a small issue into a very big problem. If you do not properly maintain a vehicle's AC, the car ends up either in a scrapyard or the garage. Drivers need to act with these considerations in mind."