Is it necessary to clean the air conditioning pipes during car maintenance?
2 Answers
Cleaning the car air conditioning pipes is necessary. During long-term use, the car air conditioning pipeline system will gradually become dirty, and may even breed fungi, various bacteria, and produce unpleasant odors. More information about car air conditioning is as follows: 1. Condition: The car air conditioning evaporator, fan, etc., are in a closed and dark state for a long time, with a high-temperature and humid internal environment. Impurities, dust, bacteria, and viruses in the air enter the air conditioning system and, together with condensed water, adhere to components such as the evaporator. Over time, they accumulate a large amount of dirt, nicotine, mold, fungi, etc. 2. Hazards: The harm of unpleasant odors in car air conditioning is not just about the bad smell. A large number of experiments have proven that water vapor adhering to the air conditioning evaporator will produce at least three types of molds harmful to human health: Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium. Although there are currently few complaints caused by car air conditioning around us, medical tests have shown that these molds may harm the human body in seven aspects: causing headaches, fever, sudden sore throat, tonsil infection, asthma, flu symptoms, dermatitis, and slow wound healing, among other adverse reactions.
I recommend not skipping the air conditioning system cleaning during car maintenance. With over 20 years of repair experience, I've seen too many cases of musty odors and insufficient cooling caused by mold growth in AC ducts. Bacterial and mold buildup not only creates unpleasant odors but also affects respiratory health, potentially causing coughing or allergies. Regular cleaning ensures unobstructed airflow, improves AC efficiency, and makes long drives more comfortable. Personally, I suggest performing this service every 20,000 km or two years, depending on usage frequency. During cleaning, it's wise to inspect the filter and condenser to prevent bigger issues. This investment is worthwhile as prevention is far more economical than repairs.
