Body & Computer
AED 250
Full 11-point HVAC check included.
Details →AC & HVAC Inspection — UAE
In the UAE, AC Is Safety Equipment
A car that cannot cool below 20°C in June is not a car you can drive. AC compressor failure is the single most common used-car cost complaint in the UAE — and the single easiest issue to disguise on a test drive conducted in February. The 11-point HVAC check catches what a test drive cannot.
The 11-Point HVAC Check
AC Compressor
Clutch engagement, bearing noise, belt drive integrity. Engagement cycle timing — short cycling indicates pressure fault.
Blow Temperature
Centre vent temperature at idle with the engine warm. Recorded in the report against ambient temperature.
Heating System
Heater core function, hot air delivery, selector valve operation. Relevant even in the UAE for demist function.
Blower Motor
All fan speeds operational, resistor pack function, bearing noise at high speed.
Defrosters
Front windshield defroster airflow, rear window electric defroster element continuity.
Climate Control & Actuators
Digital climate display, dual-zone function where fitted, blend-door actuator operation at each vent.
Rear AC
Rear blower, rear evaporator operation, rear ducting for SUVs and vans with second-row climate.
HVAC Hoses & Connections
Refrigerant line visual inspection for oil residue (leak indicator), secured clips, and rubber boot condition.
Why AC Issues Hide from the Test Drive
- Cooler ambient months. A compromised AC blows acceptably in December and fails to keep up in June.
- Short test duration. A 15-minute drive does not stress the compressor long enough to reveal bearing wear.
- Recent top-up. A seller can top up refrigerant days before the viewing; a slow leak returns within weeks.
- Blend-door silence. A stuck blend door only shows on specific settings the buyer may never test.
- Rear AC untested. Buyers rarely check rear AC function during a test drive.
Why HVAC Inspection Pays for Itself
A failing compressor, leaking evaporator, or failed blend-door actuator are all costly repairs that can easily be disguised until ownership transfers. The inspection documents the system state before the deal — not after. The diagnostic checks used:
- Blow temperature vs. recorded ambient temperature
- Compressor clutch cycle time and behaviour under load
- Compressor bearing noise at activation
- Blend-door function at each temperature setting
- All blower motor speeds and resistor pack status
- Visual check for refrigerant oil residue on lines and connections
- Cabin air filter condition and flow restriction
Included In
Comprehensive 410+
AED 399
HVAC plus every other system.
Details →Frequently Asked
What is checked in the AC and HVAC inspection?
The 11-point HVAC check covers AC compressor operation, blow temperature at vents, heating system, blower motor, front and rear defrosters, climate control display, dual-zone climate, rear AC, blend-door actuators, and HVAC hoses and connections.
How cold should a working AC blow in the UAE?
At idle with the engine warm and ambient temperature around 35°C, the center vent should blow 7–10°C. At highway speed with higher airflow, the blow temperature may rise slightly. A blow temperature of 15°C+ indicates refrigerant loss, compressor wear, or blend-door fault.
What common AC problems arise on UAE used cars?
Compressor clutch bearing wear, evaporator slow leaks (common on Honda Civic and Accord 2008–2015), blend-door actuator failure causing uneven temperature between vents, blower motor resistor pack failure (intermittent fan speeds), and clogged cabin air filter reducing airflow.
Do you perform a pressure test of the AC system?
Not as standard — connecting manifold gauges requires opening the refrigerant circuit, which is beyond scope for an inspection. However, blow temperature, compressor cycle behaviour, and sight-glass refrigerant check identify the majority of AC issues without opening the system.
Which package includes HVAC inspection?
The AED 250 Body & Computer package and the AED 399 Comprehensive package both include the full 11-point HVAC check. The AED 99 Computer Diagnostic package does not include HVAC inspection.