What Causes the Foul Smell in Surui's Air Conditioning?

[DiJackson]

Surui's air conditioning emits a foul smell due to the accumulation of dust and dirt in the system over time, which leads to mold growth and odor. The Surui is a compact 4-door, 5-seater sedan with body dimensions of 4680mm in length, 1765mm in width, and 1490mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2660mm. It is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum power of 80 kW at 5800 rpm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The vehicle features front-wheel drive, with a MacPherson strut independent suspension at the front and a torsion beam non-independent suspension at the rear.

[SanFinn]

I recently encountered the smelly air conditioning issue with my Surui too, it's really annoying. The main problem is the accumulation of water and dirt in the evaporator box of the AC system. If you don't use the external circulation for a long time, mold starts to grow, especially after rain when the humidity is high, the smell becomes more noticeable. Additionally, if the AC filter is too old and hasn't been replaced, it's full of dust and bacteria, and the smell comes out as soon as the air blows. Last time I took my friend's car to the repair shop, the mechanic said the drain hole was blocked, preventing water from draining, and it got much better after an evaporator box cleaning. Now I regularly open the windows for ventilation for a few minutes, check the filter every month, and buy inexpensive activated carbon filters to replace them—it's not expensive. Avoid using internal circulation for too long, and after starting the AC on hot days, turn on the external circulation for a few seconds before closing the windows.

[GabriellaAnn]

The unpleasant odor in the Surui's air conditioning system is commonly encountered during humid seasons. This occurs because residual moisture and dust inside the AC system, particularly on the evaporator surface, foster the growth of bacteria and mold, resulting in an unpleasant smell when the air blows. I recommend scheduling a thorough professional AC cleaning at an auto repair shop. They use specialized cleaning agents sprayed into the system to effectively eliminate bacteria and odors. Additionally, remember to inspect and replace the cabin air filter—a task you can easily do yourself by purchasing the correct model online and following the installation instructions, which is quite affordable. For daily use, turn off the AC a few minutes before parking and run only the fan to dry out the system. Adopting this habit will generally resolve odor issues.

[ValentinaDella]

The unpleasant odor in the air conditioning system is mainly caused by the air filter not being replaced for a long time, leading to the accumulation of dust and debris that has become moldy, or due to bacterial growth from condensation water not being properly drained from the evaporator. Cars like the Surui have a ventilation system design prone to water accumulation, especially after the rainy season, which can cause odors. It is recommended to address this issue promptly to avoid affecting the air quality inside the vehicle. A common solution is to simply replace the air filter, which costs just a few dozen yuan, and then use an automotive air conditioning deodorizer spray on the vents for a quick and easy fix. Regularly driving at high speeds with the air conditioning on full blast can also help prevent dust buildup.

[VanGabriella]

The foul odor most likely comes from mold or decaying matter in the air conditioning system. Based on my analysis, condensed water on the cooling components inside the evaporator accumulates dirt, which easily leads to mold growth and sour smells. Another possible cause is using low-quality filters or failing to replace them for too long, allowing allergens and bacteria to build up. The solution is straightforward: First, replace it with a high-quality cabin air filter—you can buy one online for around 50-60 yuan. Then, perform a basic cleaning by purchasing an A/C system cleaner spray from an auto parts store and spraying it into the air ducts while running the system for a few minutes. Additionally, always turn off the A/C a few minutes before parking and let the fan dry out the interior. These small adjustments will eliminate the odor immediately.

[ElizabethDella]

The foul smell from the Surui's air conditioning is most likely caused by issues in the evaporator area and clogged air ducts. After the car's AC operates, residual moisture combined with dust and impurities can accumulate, fostering mold growth, which is the root of the odor. Additionally, an aging and non-breathable filter with accumulated dust can exacerbate the smell. I recommend first checking the condition of the filter; if it's blackened or has holes, replace it immediately. Then, perform a professional cleaning—have an auto repair shop use high-pressure steam or chemical cleaning to treat the inside of the evaporator, ensuring all water is drained. For daily prevention, switch to external circulation for a few seconds before turning on the AC to prevent moisture retention. This method has worked well for me.