What Causes Severe Odor Inside the Car?
3 Answers
Severe odor inside the car is caused by the following reasons: 1. Decorative materials: A large amount of plastic, rubber, and other materials are used in car interiors. The organic solvents and additives in these materials gradually release into the car environment during use. This is one of the main causes of odor inside the car, especially in new cars. 2. Odor caused by the air conditioning filter: Many car owners report that when the air conditioning is turned on, a sour and musty smell blows in, which is very unpleasant. However, this condition usually improves after a while. In fact, this odor is a sign that the air conditioning filter needs to be replaced. The air conditioning system has been contaminated by bacteria, leading to mold growth. Replacing the air conditioning filter can alleviate the odor. 3. Odor caused by the evaporator: If the odor persists after replacing the air conditioning filter, the issue likely points to the evaporator. Mold growth inside the evaporator is the cause, and replacing the air conditioning filter won't solve the problem. In this case, cleaning the evaporator and the air conditioning ducts is necessary. 4. Different habits: Everyone's habits are not only reflected in driving but also in car usage. Differences in car usage can also cause odor inside the car, such as eating or smoking in the car. Over time, odor naturally develops.
I've also experienced strong odors in the car before. Looking back, it might have been an issue with the AC system, especially when the cabin air filter hadn't been changed for too long and got moldy and smelly. The musty smell when turning on the AC in summer was just unbearable. It could also be that the AC evaporator was too damp and grew mold, blowing out foul-smelling air. Another possibility is food crumbs or spilled drinks in the car that weren't cleaned up in time – over time, the smell can really make you question life. I once forgot a leftover hamburger under the glove compartment, and the smell lingered for two weeks. The plastic smell when the car was brand new was also headache-inducing. Oh, and if a pet has an accident in the car and it's not thoroughly cleaned, the smell can really seep into the seats.
I'm particularly concerned about the impact of odors inside the car on children. There was a rotten smell in the car before, and it turned out to be an apple core hidden under the back seat. More commonly, bacteria breed in the air conditioning system, especially if the condensate isn't drained properly, leading to various molds accumulating in the filter and evaporator. Also, be cautious with items in the trunk—last time, my husband left wet sneakers in there, and they grew mold directly. If there's an oil leak in the engine compartment, a burnt smell can drift inside, which is the most dangerous and needs immediate repair. I've developed a habit now: regularly cleaning debris from the seams of the floor mats and replacing the air conditioning filter every quarter.
