diff --git a/compliance_checker/cf/cf_1_6.py b/compliance_checker/cf/cf_1_6.py
index 3979777e..c77d5ea4 100644
--- a/compliance_checker/cf/cf_1_6.py
+++ b/compliance_checker/cf/cf_1_6.py
@@ -1864,8 +1864,7 @@ def check_time_coordinate(self, ds):
                     ret_val.append(result)
             # IMPLEMENTATION CONFORMANCE 4.4 RECOMMENDED 2/2
             # catch non-recommended months or years time interval
-            unit = Unit(variable.units)
-            if unit.is_long_time_interval():
+            if any(unit in variable.units for unit in ("months", "years")):
                 message = f"Using relative time interval of months or years is not recommended for coordinate variable {variable.name}"
                 result = Result(
                     BaseCheck.MEDIUM,