What Causes Odors Inside the Car?
3 Answers
The reasons for odors inside the car are as follows: 1. Plastic, rubber, and other materials: The extensive use of plastic, rubber, and other materials in car interiors means that organic solvents and additives in these materials gradually release into the cabin environment during vehicle use. This is one of the main causes of odors inside the car, especially in new cars. 2. Air conditioning filter: Many car owners report that when the air conditioning is turned on, a sour and musty smell blows in, which is quite unpleasant, but this condition usually eases after a while. In fact, this odor is a sign that the air conditioning filter needs to be replaced, as the air conditioning system has been contaminated by bacteria, leading to mold growth. Replacing the filter can alleviate the odor. 3. Evaporator: If the odor persists after replacing the air conditioning filter, the issue likely lies with the evaporator. Mold inside the evaporator causes the odor, and simply replacing the filter won’t solve the problem. In this case, cleaning the evaporator and air conditioning ducts is necessary.
There are several common reasons for unpleasant odors in the car. I find the most frequent cause is food debris falling into seat crevices or under the carpet, which can develop mold and smell over time. Last week, I ate a burger in the car and didn't notice a few fries that fell - three days later, I noticed a sour smell. Additionally, the air conditioning system tends to accumulate dust and mold, especially emitting a musty odor when the cold air is on. Too many items in the car can also be problematic; I often keep sports shoes in the trunk, and the sweat odor can permeate through the seats. Smokers should also be cautious, as cigarette smoke clings to the ceiling fabric and is hard to eliminate. I recommend developing good habits: clean up any spills immediately after eating, regularly wash the AC filter, avoid cluttering the car with too many items, and maintaining ventilation is crucial.
Smell something strange as soon as you get in the car? First consider the air conditioning system, especially in summer when condensation left in the AC pipes and evaporator after using cold air can lead to mold. Last year, my car vents emitted a sour smell, and replacing the AC filter with an activated carbon one fixed it. Another source is off-gassing from interior materials—new cars often have a pungent formaldehyde odor. A friend picked up an SUV last week and had to leave several packs of bamboo charcoal in it for half a month before the smell faded. Other factors include leather or fabric seats absorbing smoke or hot pot odors, and pet hair accumulating in vents causing bad smells. Regular ventilation is crucial—avoid smoking in enclosed spaces and use professional cleaners on fabric areas. When parking, try to avoid smelly environments like garbage stations.
