Jolein De Smedt★★★★★★★★★★
Uitstekende en snelle service.
Vlotte en duidelijke communicatie.
Heel klantvriendelijk en behulpzaam.
Wat mij betreft is deze topgarage meer dan 5 sterren waard.
Symptoms
Sound familiar?
Air conditioning isn't just about comfort: it also helps clear your windows quickly.
Cools less
Often a lack of refrigerant or a leak.
Musty smell
Moisture and bacteria in the system or a dirty cabin filter.
Fogged windows
A properly working air conditioner also dehumidifies the air.
Noise when switching on
May point to a compressor problem.
What we do
Your air conditioning sorted, from A to Z
We work with R134a and R1234yf, for passenger cars and commercial vehicles of all makes.
Leak detection
If your air conditioning is losing refrigerant, we trace the leak with a pressure test and UV dye. That way you know exactly what needs repairing.
Recharge
We recover the old refrigerant, vacuum the system and refill it with the correct amount of refrigerant and oil according to the manufacturer's data.
Disinfection
A musty smell usually points to bacteria and mould on the evaporator. We disinfect the system and replace the cabin filter on request, so you breathe fresh air again.
Repair
After the diagnosis you first get a clear explanation and a price for the compressor, condenser, lines or seals. Our repairs carry a 1 year warranty.
Refrigerants at a glance
Which refrigerant is in your car?
The refrigerant type and fill quantity are usually on a sticker under the bonnet, often near the bonnet latch or on the radiator crossmember. Can't find it? We'll read it out for you. We handle cars and commercial vehicles of all makes, from Merchtem and the wider region.
Older cars
R134a
The classic refrigerant
For years R134a was in almost every car air conditioner. Since 1 January 2017, new cars in the EU may no longer use refrigerant with a global warming potential (GWP) above 150, so R134a is mainly found in cars from before that time. Existing systems may still be serviced and recharged.
Newer cars
R1234yf
Today's standard
R1234yf is the successor with a very low warming potential and is found in most recent cars and vans. It requires dedicated equipment, as the connections differ from R134a. Refrigerants must never be mixed.
Air conditioning tips by season
Your air conditioning in shape all year round
The current season opens automatically. Air conditioning isn't a summer gadget: it also dries the air and keeps your windows clear in autumn and winter.
Spring
Getting ready for the heat
- Have the cooling capacity and refrigerant level measured before the first warm days. A system naturally loses a little refrigerant every year.
- Replace the cabin filter (pollen filter) after the pollen season, especially if you have allergies.
- Musty smell on start-up? Then there are bacteria or mould on the evaporator and cleaning is recommended.
Summer
Cool and economical driving
- Air the car briefly with the windows or doors open before switching on the air conditioning.
- A few degrees below the outside temperature is enough. Too cold is less comfortable and costs more fuel or range.
- Blowing lukewarm, compressor ticking or oil dripping? Have the pressure and tightness checked.
Autumn
Clear windows, dry air
- Air conditioning dehumidifies the air. Switch it on against fogged windows, even when it's cool.
- Have leaves removed from the air intake below the windscreen so the drain doesn't clog.
- The ideal moment to have the air conditioning checked along with your winter check.
Winter
Run it in winter too
- Run the air conditioning briefly every few weeks. That keeps the seals and compressor lubricated.
- Combine heating and air conditioning to clear the windows faster.
- Driving an electric car with a heat pump? Then the refrigerant circuit also heats your cabin, making a well working system extra important.
What we look at
The air conditioning system, part by part
Click the dots for more information. On your phone the explanation appears below the photo.
Compressor
The heart of the system, driven by the engine or electrically on hybrids and EVs. We check its operation, pressure and noise.
Condenser
Located at the front of the car and vulnerable to stone chips, salt and dirt. We trace leaks with leak detection.
Lines & seals
Small leaks gradually reduce cooling. We test for tightness before recharging.
Cabin filter
A dirty filter causes musty smells, less airflow and windows that fog up faster.
1. Compressor
The heart of the system, driven by the engine or electrically on hybrids and EVs. We check its operation, pressure and noise.
2. Condenser
Located at the front of the car and vulnerable to stone chips, salt and dirt. We trace leaks with leak detection.
3. Lines & seals
Small leaks gradually reduce cooling. We test for tightness before recharging.
4. Cabin filter
A dirty filter causes musty smells, less airflow and windows that fog up faster.
How your air conditioning works
The refrigerant circuit in 6 parts
Click or hover over a number: the part lights up and you can read straight away what it does. The moving dashes show the direction of refrigerant flow.
1. Compressor The heart of the system, driven by the engine belt. It draws in the gaseous refrigerant and compresses it into a hot, high-pressure gas.
2. Condenser Sits at the front behind the grille. The airflow cools the hot gas, which condenses into liquid. Dirt or stone chips here cost a lot of cooling power.
3. Drier/filter Removes moisture and dirt from the refrigerant. Moisture in the system causes corrosion and icing; every time the circuit is opened a new drier is needed.
4. Expansion valve Lets the liquid expand in a metered way to low pressure, so the refrigerant cools sharply just before the evaporator.
5. Evaporator Sits behind the dashboard. The cold refrigerant evaporates and draws heat and moisture from the air blown into the cabin. This is also where mould odours develop.
6. High and low pressure lines Warm high-pressure side (amber) and cold low-pressure side (silver). Leaks are often at couplings and O-rings; we trace them with a leak test and UV dye.
Commercial vehicles and fleets
Air conditioning for your entire fleet
We schedule air conditioning servicing for your vans and company vehicles together with their regular maintenance.
Air conditioning in and around Merchtem
Air conditioning service, recharge and repair: how it works
Live or work in Merchtem, Opwijk, Asse, Londerzeel, Wolvertem and Meise, Buggenhout, Dendermonde or the northern outskirts of Brussels? You are welcome at XCS Automotive on Stoofstraat in Merchtem for everything to do with your car's air conditioning.
A car air conditioner is a closed circuit, but not a completely sealed one. Every year a small amount of refrigerant escapes through seals and hoses, so the system gradually cools less and the compressor works harder. The refrigerant also carries the oil that lubricates the compressor. Too little refrigerant therefore also means less lubrication and a greater risk of an expensive repair.
- Reading the refrigerant type and the prescribed fill quantity
- Safely recovering, weighing and cleaning the existing refrigerant
- Vacuuming and leak testing the system
- Correct filling to the manufacturer's data, with the right oil
- Checking the vent temperature, compressor and fans
- On request: replacing the cabin filter and cleaning the evaporator
Car air conditioning falls under the European MAC Directive (2006/40/EC) and the F-gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573. Refrigerant may not simply be released into the air and may only be recovered by trained technicians with suitable equipment. Mixing refrigerants or converting a system to another refrigerant is not allowed.
If the air conditioning keeps losing refrigerant, we look for the leak: a condenser with stone chip damage, a porous hose, a leaking seal or a faulty compressor. You first get a clear explanation and a price. Our repairs carry a 1 year warranty.
More questions about your air conditioning?
More questions about car air conditioning
How often should I have my air conditioning checked?
There is no legal interval. Follow your car's service schedule. If the air conditioning cools less or smells musty, have it checked anyway.
Can I replace R134a with R1234yf?
No. A system is designed for one refrigerant, with its own connections and oil. We always fill with the refrigerant the manufacturer specifies.
Which refrigerants do you work with?
We service and repair air conditioning with R134a and R1234yf. Not sure which refrigerant your car uses? We're happy to check for you.
Why does my air conditioning smell musty?
Usually because of bacteria and mould on the evaporator or a dirty cabin filter. Cleaning and a new filter usually solve it.
Do you collect my car?
Yes, our pick-up and return service is free anywhere in Merchtem. From Opwijk, Asse, Londerzeel or Meise you can reach us in a few minutes.
Which refrigerant does my car use?
That depends mainly on the year of manufacture: older cars usually run on R134a, newer ones on R1234yf. It's on a sticker under the bonnet; we'll check for you. We work with R134a and R1234yf.
How often should I have my air conditioning serviced?
Air conditioning loses some refrigerant over time, even without a fault. A regular check, for example every two to three years or when cooling drops, prevents bigger damage to the compressor.
Do you just top it up?
No. We first check whether the system is sealed. Topping up a leaking system is money down the drain; if there's a leak, you first get a diagnosis and a price.
What does an air conditioning diagnosis cost?
Diagnostics: €83 excl. VAT per labour hour. You then know exactly what is needed and what it costs.
Do you also repair compressors, condensers or lines?
Yes. After the diagnosis we discuss the repair and the price with you before we start.
Do you also service air conditioning on commercial vehicles?
Yes, for passenger cars, vans and entire fleets. See also our Fleet and company cars page.
Air conditioning check?
Book an appointment or call us for a diagnosis.
Google reviews
What our customers say
Khizer Ashiq★★★★★★★★★★
Ik ben bij Garage XCS in Merchtem geweest en ik ben enorm tevreden over mijn ervaring. Vanaf het moment dat ik binnenkwam, werd ik vriendelijk en professioneel ontvangen. Het hele team nam de tijd om naar mijn verhaal te luisteren en alles duidelijk uit te leggen. Je merkt meteen dat klantvriendelijkheid hier echt belangrijk is. Ze werken eerlijk, zorgvuldig en met veel kennis van zaken.
Mijn ervaring bij een vorige garage was helaas helemaal anders. Daar voelde ik me niet welkom en had ik het gevoel dat ik niet met respect werd behandeld. Bij Garage XCS was dat totaal het tegenovergestelde. Hier werd ik met respect behandeld en voelde ik me als klant echt gewaardeerd. Dat gaf mij meteen een goed gevoel en veel vertrouwen.
De werkzaamheden werden correct uitgevoerd en alles werd duidelijk gecommuniceerd, zonder verborgen kosten of verrassingen. Ik ben heel blij dat ik deze garage heb gevonden en ik zal vanaf nu zeker terugkomen voor onderhoud en herstellingen. Ik raad Garage XCS in Merchtem dan ook met volle overtuiging aan aan iedereen die op zoek is naar een eerlijke, professionele en vooral zeer klantvriendelijke garage. Bedankt aan het hele team voor de uitstekende service!
Doran Vandeneynde★★★★★★★★★★
Voor onderhoud ga ik zelf altijd naar Audi, maar deze keer had mijn RS3 nieuwe remblokken nodig. De offerte van Audi vond ik zelf sterk overdreven voor enkel remblokken. Via vrienden heb ik XCS leren kennen en ben ik daar eens binnengesprongen. Ik vertelde dat de offerte bij Audi aan de zeer hoge kant was, maar dat ik zeker ook niet voor de goedkoopste optie wilde gaan. Duur is niet altijd beter, maar goedkoop kan ook duurkoop zijn.
Bij XCS hebben ze duidelijk verstand van auto’s en wisten ze dat het vermogen van mijn auto ook degelijke remmen nodig heeft. In overleg zijn we samen uitgekomen op remblokken die dicht aansluiten bij de OEM-remmen van Audi, maar aan een veel schappelijkere prijs.
Qua prijs-kwaliteit zit je hier zeker goed!
Michael Boogmans★★★★★★★★★★
Heel goed geholpen daar en mensen die nog eens kunnen lachen
Uitlaat van mijn motor afgebroken enigste garage die mij wou helpen op en 1uur helemaal gelast en gemonteerd top voor mij zeker en 5+ sterren nog eens bedankt !!!
Brent freestyle★★★★★★★★★★
Ik ga hier nu al +- 3 jaar altijd tot in de puntjes afgewerkt en vlotte communicatie deze manne weten waar ze mee bezig zijn. Ik heb hier een hele zaero kit laten plaatsen door hun en elk onderhoud laten doen dat nodig was.