How Often Should a Car's Air Conditioning Be Cleaned?
2 Answers
Generally, a car's air conditioning system should be cleaned approximately every six months. There are two methods to clean a car's air conditioning: one is using an air conditioning cleaner (non-disassembly), and the other involves disassembling the components of the air conditioning system for cleaning. 1. Cleaning with an air conditioning cleaner: Normally, the air intake of the car's air conditioning has a pollen filter, which prevents external dust from entering during the external circulation of the air conditioning. When cleaning the air conditioning, the pollen filter should be removed, and the air conditioning foam cleaner should be sprayed into the air intake. 2. Disassembling and cleaning the car's air conditioning: The dashboard is disassembled to remove the air conditioning evaporator. An evaporator that hasn't been cleaned for a long time will inevitably be covered in dust and small particles, which need to be carefully brushed off with a brush.
Generally speaking, I recommend cleaning your car's air conditioning system every one or two years, especially if you drive frequently in humid or dusty areas where dirt and bacteria can easily accumulate, causing a musty smell from the vents. Over time, this not only affects cooling efficiency but may also make passengers uncomfortable and even trigger allergies or respiratory issues. Check the air vents seasonally—if you notice any odd odors, address it promptly. As someone who drives often, I find it cost-effective to visit a repair shop for minor maintenance rather than dealing with expensive part replacements later. Keeping the cabin environment clean ensures peace of mind when traveling with family. Overall, maintaining this habit is both convenient and health-conscious.