Mechanics: auto cold, an activity that works in this heat period

In Senegal, this time of year experiences relatively high temperatures. To block this heat which reaches 40 degrees in some cities, air conditioning is adopted. In homes, in offices and also in cars. In Dakar, auto refrigeration garages have set up almost everywhere and their business seems to be running smoothly.

In a capital which represents approximately 0.3% of the country’s surface area and populated by nearly 4 million individuals, heat episodes can be felt in a particular way by the population. Added to this, the number of vehicles in circulation, which increases the chances of creating traffic jams. To keep your body cool, some motorists decide to install air conditioning in their cars. Thus, auto refrigeration services are in demand.

In the Medina, a street opens up, perpendicular to Avenue Malick Sy and Rue 1. A decor bordered by snowflakes hanging from signs suggests the main activity here: the cold car. It’s 1 p.m. The condensed water vapor in the sky is still white and scattered. Entering through Malick Sy, on the left sidewalk, Souleye is sitting with other young people on a wooden bench. He runs a garage. Souleye and his team take care of automobile air conditioning. “It’s during the heat that we work the most. And that’s understandable, motorists want to counter this intense heat,” explains Souleye. The young man in his thirties carries his backpack on his thighs covered by beige denim pants. He doesn’t seem to have much work today. “We don’t have any customers there, it’s due to the rain yesterday which reduced traffic,” he says. For him, rain has two effects: on the one hand, it reduces their activity, but on the other hand, it pushes many people to install air conditioning in their cars. “As the winter approaches and even during it, many motorists come running towards us. This is because, when it rains, they have to roll up the windows. But it’s not ideal with this heat. So, it’s better to have the air conditioning on and turn it on,” he explains.

The work requires mechanical knowledge, according to Souleye. He also lets us understand that “many new cars have an air conditioning circuit, but for some, mechanical modifications must be made and the value of the parts varies depending on the car.” On the other hand, there are motorists who are reluctant to install air conditioning because they fear an increase in the fuel consumption of their vehicle. “But the increase in consumption is not as significant as people say,” explains Souleye. He ends with: “If you put 900 francs without the air conditioning, with the air conditioning on, you would spend maybe 950.”

Opposite the Souleye store, another, that of Mbengue. Crossing the street, the stand of the Iba Mar Diop complex stands up and overlooks a still very green lawn. A blue Peugeot parked on the sidewalk in front of Mbengue’s house. Past the door, shelves that carry almost the same piece are visible. As if one of them had been cloned to populate this dark space, even with the door open. In his chair, Mbengue gesticulates. “It’s almost a day off for us. We have nothing to do,” he says, looking like he just came out of a nap. He shares Souleye’s version. For him too, it’s the same reality: “The heat period is our period. When the cold arrives, we see very few customers. Perhaps the richest who come to repair their air conditioning. » During this period when it is relatively hot, many factors push motorists to request auto refrigeration services, according to him. “Already there is heat. Just like at home, when it’s hot, we turn on the fans or air conditioners. The rain also makes some people want air conditioning. But also and above all in Dakar, pollution. Imagine, you are stuck in traffic, the smoke from other cars enters yours, your reflex will be to roll up your windows. » According to him, all this contributes, through a “direct” effect, to making their activity work during periods of heat.

On consumption, he brings a nuance. “Air conditioning can increase consumption, yes, but if you don’t activate it and you roll down your windows, again, you are unknowingly increasing the fuel consumption of your car. » Using arm gestures, he tries to reproduce the flow of air or even aerodynamics. “If the windows are down, the air that was supposed to slide over the body of the car will seep into the passenger compartment and this slows the car down. This causes the engine to work harder to move the vehicle forward, resulting in accelerated movements of the pistons. Consumption then increases without you realizing it,” he finished explaining, finally resting his arms.

Boubacar DIOP

PS: AI-generated image