If you are a car fanatic, the car is one of the best possessions. When you enter your car, you feel a sense of achievement, pride, and security to drive wherever you wish to. But, what happens when you sit in your car, and there is an awful smell coming from it? The situation can be worse if somebody sits in your car and you feel embarrassed. So our today’s blog is on why does your car AC smell bad.
The musty or mouldy smell from your AC vents can make anybody sick. The entire automobile ride could be unpleasant as a result of the same. Strong odors from your air conditioner are a common problem that can be easily fixed.
But why does your car AC smell bad, and how can you fix it?
The smell of your car is a sign that it needs some deep cleaning. Do not worry, and we are here to help you out. Your car’s air conditioner may smell foul for several reasons. Mould or mildew, which can develop in your car’s evaporator coils, is usually the reason.
Mould and mildew get the perfect environment to thrive when the rings aren’t cleaned thoroughly. It might also happen if the air conditioner system is not maintained correctly or is not used for a long time. Another probable cause is a system leak.
It allows moisture to build up, which could lead to mould or mildew development. Another contributing cause can be inadequate ventilation in the system. It can be the result of a system leak or a blocked filter.
If an air conditioner is not adequately aired, the air within the car could become stale and start to smell. Finally, a dirty or clogged air filter may cause the air conditioner in your automobile to smell bad. If you detect any of these problems, it’s essential to have your car’s AC servicing by a professional.
The good news is that the solution to this issue is simple, and we will go through it in this article.
3 Reasons Why Does Your Car AC Smell Bad?
If your car’s AC smells bad, it could be due to a variety of reasons. The most common reason is that the evaporator coils are dirty and need to be cleaned. Other potential causes could include a clogged AC drain, mold or mildew growth, or a leak in the AC system.
If you’re not sure what is causing the bad smell, it’s best to have a professional inspect and service your car’s AC system. Here, we have covered 3 of the most common reasons for a car’s AC to smell bad:
1. Under-hood debris accumulation:
If your AC blows musty or mouldy air, it could indicate under-hood debris accumulation. This debris can come from various sources, including leaves, dirt, and dust. It can clog up the condenser coils and restrict air flow, causing your AC to blow mouldy air.
When this debris accumulates on the AC unit’s coils, it can cause the unit to work harder to cool the air, which can lead to musty or mouldy air. This stale air might cause allergies, asthma, coughing, and more. If you notice this problem, you should check your AC unit with a professional. They will be able to clean the coils, improving the air quality.
2. Bacteria build-up
Bacteria can thrive in damp, warm environments, such as the evaporator coils in your AC unit. The bacteria can grow and multiply when the coils become wet, causing that musty smell. The evaporator coils in your AC unit designed to absorb heat from the air in your home. As the coils absorb heat, they also become damp. This dampness provides the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
Some types of bacteria can cause respiratory infections and other health problems. Having your evaporator coils cleaned regularly can help prevent bacteria growth and keep your air conditioner smelling fresh. With regular cleaning, you can also help to prevent the growth of bacteria, which can also cause health problems. If you notice a musty smell coming, it’s essential to have it checked out by a professional.
3. Mould growth:
If your AC smells of mould growth, it is likely due to a build-up of moisture in the unit. It caused by several factors, including leaking or condensation in the team, dirty air filters, and humidity. If your AC unit leaks, you need to repair the leak to prevent further mould growth.
If your unit is condensing, you may need to increase ventilation in the car or reduce the humidity level. Dirty air filters can also contribute to mould growth, so be sure to change them regularly. Mould growth caused by poor maintenance of the unit. If you have not cleaned and inspected your AC unit in a while, it is likely that mould has begun to grow in the unit.
How to Prevent Bad Smells from Car AC
We’ve all been there. You’re driving along when all of a sudden your car AC starts pumping out some seriously rank smells. You try to turn it off, but it’s no use. The stench is here to stay. If you’re looking for a way to prevent bad smells from your car AC, you’ve come to the right place. Here is what you can do to keep your car smelling fresh and clean:
1. Check the air filter regularly
A simple way to help prevent nasty smells from coming from the car AC is to clean the air filter regularly. Most air filters are located in the engine bay and can be accessed by popping the hood. Once the air filter is removed, tap it gently to remove any large pieces of dirt or debris. Next, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck up any smaller particles.
Finally, rinse the air filter with clean water and allow it to dry. Cleaning the air filter regularly will help to prevent bad smells from coming in the car AC.
2. Inspect the AC unit for mould
Remove the front panel and look inside. If you see any black or greenish growth, that’s mould. Once you’ve confirmed that mould is growing in your AC unit, it’s time to take action. The first thing you need to do is clean the AC unit. It can be done with a simple solution of water and bleach. Mix 1 part bleach with ten parts water, and use a sponge or brush to scrub away the mould.
Be sure to wear gloves and a mask while doing this, as bleach can be harmful to your skin and lungs. If the mould is growing on the coils, you need to be extra careful. You can use a coil cleaner, or make your own solution with one part white vinegar and one part water. Spray or soak the coils with the solution, then scrub away the mould with a brush. Once you’re finished, rinse the coils with clean water.
3. Keep the AC unit’s drain line clear
One way to keep the AC unit’s drain line clear is to regularly pour a cup of bleach or vinegar down the line. It will help to break down any build-up that has occurred and keep the line clear. Another way to clear the drain line is to blow it out with compressed air regularly.
It will help to remove any debris that has built up in the queue. The drain line should also be checked for leaks regularly and repaired if necessary.
4. Use a car AC freshener
One of the most popular car air fresheners is an activated charcoal air freshener. These air fresheners absorb bad smells and odors, leaving fresh, clean air behind. This helps to keep your car smelling great, even if you haven’t had time to clean it in a while.
Activated charcoal air fresheners are very effective at removing foul odors from car AC, and they are also very affordable. Another type of car air freshener that is effective is an ozone generator. Ozone generators work by producing ozone, which is a powerful oxidizer. When ozone releases into the air, it reacts with odor-causing molecules, neutralizing them and leaving behind fresh, clean air.
5. Call a professional
The best way to prevent bad smells from a car AC system is to have the system serviced by a professional auto repair shop every year. A professional can clean the system’s components and replace the system’s filters. They can also check for leaks and repair them within the system.
In addition, a professional can check for leaks in the design and repair them. By having the system serviced by a professional, you can be sure that it is operating at its best and that a build-up of dirt and bacteria does not cause bad smells.
Conclusion
By following the above advices, you will experience a wonderful ride the next time you sit in the car with your loved ones.
This was a comprehensive guide on why your car AC smells terrible and how to fix it. After reading this article, you can identify the root cause of the problem, troubleshoot it and take the necessary steps to fix it.
An important thing to note is that you should always consult a professional mechanic if the problem persists, as they can properly diagnose the issue and take the required steps to fix it.
Also Read – How Long Should It Take For A Car AC To Get Cold?
