The new oil change: Maintaining thermal management systems

For workshops, the maintenance  of thermal management systems in hybrid and electric vehicles will  become what used to be the regular oil change. The company is thus preparing workshops for the future and  helping them with the switch to alternative drive systems. 

That is why MAHLE Aftermarket is offering not only a growing range of components but also  accompanying service equipment, training, and digital information  solutions. MAHLE Aftermarket is expanding its portfolio to include indirect air  conditioning condensers, which are becoming standard components in the  air conditioning systems of modern vehicles. 

By continuously extending its  thermal management product range, MAHLE Aftermarket is making it easier  for workshops to generate new business. 

“MAHLE is a strong partner for workshops for all aspects  of thermal management. We recommend that our customers build up their skills in this area and support  them accordingly,” said Olaf Henning, corporate  executive vice president and general manager, MAHLE  Aftermarket.  

In an electric vehicle, the air conditioning system takes care of the cabin, and also cools the battery, electric motor and power electronics. Accordingly, the system must be designed to meet high performance requirements and needs several circuits at different temperature levels. In the future, the maintenance and repair of such systems will  constitute a major part of everyday business for workshops. 

Indirect condensers, which cool down and thereby liquefy the refrigerant that has  become heated during compression in the compressor, are already used in many  modern vehicles with combustion engines and also represent the best technical  option for hybrid and electric vehicles. They are more efficient, powerful, and  compact than directly cooled condensers and can also be placed anywhere in the  vehicle. Directly cooled models, on the other hand, must be installed at the front  of the vehicle in order to make use of the ambient air.  

MAHLE Aftermarket provides information on the design, function, repair, and  maintenance of thermal management systems in TechTool, an online database.  Aimed at both beginners and professionals, MAHLE’s TechTool offers  information at OEM level in 14 languages and gives detailed insights into  automotive air conditioning and engine cooling in passenger cars and  commercial vehicles. For workshops requiring specific training for their  employees, MAHLE also offers in-depth courses that provide comprehensive  expert knowledge on repair and maintenance.