What Causes the Smell of Rotten Fish in the Car?
2 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.
