What Causes the Smell of Rotten Fish in the Car?
4 Answers
The reasons for the smell of rotten fish in the car are: 1. Malfunction of the air conditioning system causing odors; 2. Spoiled or moldy food in the car. Causes of odors inside the car: 1. Overheated wires or short circuits in electrical components; 2. Dirty air conditioning filter or air ducts; 3. Malfunctioning tires or rubber belts, emitting a burnt rubber smell. Methods to remove odors from the car include: 1. Placing fruits with strong adsorption capabilities such as pomelo peels, pineapples, and lemons; 2. Using white vinegar with antibacterial and cleaning properties inside the car; 3. Utilizing activated charcoal to eliminate odors; 4. Removing plastic protective films in the car; 5. Opening windows for ventilation; 6. Spraying an appropriate amount of air freshener.
Every time I smell a weird odor in the car, like stinky salted fish, it really annoys me. Most of the time, it's due to issues with the car's air conditioning system, such as water accumulation in the evaporator or mold and bacteria growth on the filter. When you turn on the AC in summer, that musty smell comes out. Don't think it's a small issue—I once had a friend whose car had this problem, and upon inspection, it turned out the drain hole was clogged, causing water to leak onto the carpet and slowly rot. Another possibility is if you drove to the beach before and your kids spilled a bag of seafood under the seat, forgot to take it out, and it rotted into a salted fish smell in just a few days. Remember to clean the AC filter regularly, at least once a year. If there's a strange smell in the engine bay, it might be a dead mouse stuck in a corner—you'll need to open it up and clean it out. A quick fix is using an ozone machine, but it won't solve the root problem. It's best to have a professional mechanic check the wiring and seals for peace of mind.
As a seasoned driver, my car has also encountered that foul fishy odor. Looking back, it's usually due to forgetting about food residues left in the car. For instance, there was a time I bought a bag of fish from the supermarket, left it in the trunk, and it started to stink after being exposed to the sun. Another common issue is the air conditioning system, which can easily breed mold, resulting in strange smells when the AC is turned on, prompting an immediate shutdown for inspection. Another frequent culprit is water seeping under the car mats or carpets, especially after rainy days when it becomes damp and moldy. My advice is to first identify the source: sniff around to see if the smell is stronger from the AC vents or the trunk. If it's from residues, clean them with a damp cloth and then vacuum. Prevention is key—always clean the interior after each use and never leave food overnight. If all else fails, try natural deodorizers like orange peels, but don't rely on them too much; safety comes first.
When there's a strange smell like salted fish floating in the car, I wonder if the kids are up to something. I remember one time when a child brought fish snacks into the car, and some fell into the seat crevices. When the weather got hot, it rotted and produced an unbearable stench. The air conditioning system could also be the culprit—water accumulation in the evaporator can lead to mold growth, creating a musty smell similar to a damp basement. Additionally, if water gets into the engine bay or trunk and isn't cleaned up promptly, it can turn sour and rancid over time. To address the issue, start by lifting the seats and carpets to inspect, then scrub with disinfectant. Be mindful that such odors can be harmful, especially for elderly people and children who are prone to allergies. Avoid using harsh chemicals randomly—try ventilating the car for a few hours first. Regularly cleaning the car’s interior can also help prevent such problems.
