Reasons for Severe Odor in Cars After Several Years of Use
2 Answers
Severe odor inside the car can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. Car Interior Materials: A large amount of materials such as plastic, rubber, fabric, paint, insulation materials, and adhesives are used in car interiors, which can emit odors during the car's usage. 2. Damp Air Conditioning: The air conditioning system, being damp and dark, is prone to breeding a large number of bacteria. While the air conditioning works hard for us, it also emits unpleasant odors. 3. Long-standing Items in Corners: Fruit peels or sweets accidentally dropped in the corners of the car can easily rot and mold. Spilled drinks or seats and carpets wet from rain leaks also facilitate mold growth. 4. External Odors: During the operation of the air conditioning, unclean air from outside can be brought into the car, causing odors.
A car that has been used for several years with severe odors, I believe the main reason is mold in the air conditioning system, especially the accumulated moisture on the evaporator breeding bacteria, just like my old car, where every time the AC was turned on, a sour smell would be noticeable. Also, the air filter hasn't been replaced for a long time, clogged with dust and mold spores, spreading the smell when the air blows. Additionally, rainwater or moisture from outside seeps in through poorly sealed areas, making the carpet underneath damp, which will lead to mold after a few months, smelling like earthy odor. It's recommended to clean the air conditioning ducts once a year, replace the air filter, and check if the rubber seals around doors and windows are aging or leaking. Usually, opening the windows for a few minutes after parking can also reduce odor accumulation. By addressing these details, the odor problem can be significantly improved.
