How to Deal with Odor When Using Car Air Conditioning?
2 Answers
Turn on the external circulation to dry the internal moisture with the airflow from outside; replace the cabin air filter during maintenance; clean the air ducts; open the car doors and sunroof to expose the interior to sunlight. Below are some relevant details about car air conditioning: 1. Introduction: An air conditioning device used to regulate the temperature and humidity inside the car. 2. Causes of odor: The cabin air filter has not been cleaned for a long time, and the humid air during rainy seasons makes the filter damp and warm, leading to mold growth and a musty smell. External air flowing through the air conditioning system ducts can also leave small amounts of residual moisture and dust from the air, which can cause mold if not cleaned for a long time.
I've seen many cases of unpleasant odors in car air conditioning systems. The most common cause is mold or bacterial growth inside the system, especially when the car has been parked in humid conditions. Whenever I detect a musty or sour smell, I take immediate action. First, I check the cabin air filter located behind the glove compartment - if it's covered in dust or turned black, it needs replacement (usually inexpensive and DIY-friendly). If the odor persists after replacement, it indicates issues in the ducts or evaporator, requiring specialized AC cleaning spray for disinfection (plenty of tutorial videos available online). Prevention is key: Don't turn off the engine immediately after using AC - let the fan run for a few minutes to dry the system; regularly switch between recirculation and fresh air modes; during hot summers, avoid setting the AC too strong - higher temperature and lower humidity settings help inhibit bacterial growth. Ignoring this issue not only causes discomfort but may lead to respiratory problems, especially for children in the car - timely treatment is essential for safety.
