What Causes the Unpleasant Odor in Car Air Conditioning on Rainy Days?
3 Answers
The main reason is the mold growth in the air conditioning filter or air ducts, which leads to the unpleasant odor. Here are the solutions to address the air conditioning odor: 1. Replace the air filter: A dirty air conditioning filter not only fails to filter out dirty air but also causes secondary pollution to the fresh air entering the car. Therefore, to completely eliminate the odor inside the car, it is essential to address the source. 2. Clean the air ducts: Park the car in an area with good air quality, turn on the external circulation mode, and set the air conditioning to the natural ventilation mode. Then, evenly spray the cleaning agent into the air ducts through the air vents. After a few minutes, open the windows and turn on the air conditioning to thoroughly ventilate the car.
There's a strange smell from the air conditioner on rainy days, and I think it's mainly caused by moisture in the AC system. When there's more rain, the humidity inside the car increases, and water accumulates in the evaporator. If it doesn't dry out in time, mold and bacteria can grow, leading to a musty or foul odor. Once when I was driving, I noticed a sour smell, and upon checking, I found the AC filter was too dirty, full of dust and spores. Replacing it made a big difference. My suggestion is to turn off the AC but let the blower run for a few minutes before parking on rainy days, which can help dry the system. It's also important to regularly take your car to a repair shop for a full system cleaning—it doesn't cost much and can prevent odors from coming back. Health-wise, don't underestimate this smell; prolonged exposure may cause discomfort, especially for families with children, so make sure to ventilate properly.
When it comes to musty odors from the AC on rainy days, I suspect it's due to mold growth in the evaporator or ducts. Rain increases humidity, causing condensation to accumulate in the AC system where bacteria rapidly multiply. For a DIY fix, first check if the cabin air filter is dirty—try replacing it. If that doesn't work, purchase a specialized cleaner to spray into the air intake—quick and easy. For prevention, minimize recirculation mode and use fresh air ventilation more often. Before parking, don't leave the AC damp—run the fan for a while to dry it out. These low-cost measures deliver noticeable results, extend your AC's lifespan, and prevent costly repairs.
