What Causes Unpleasant Odors in Vehicle Air Conditioning?
2 Answers
Unpleasant odors in vehicle air conditioning are caused by dirty air conditioning ventilation ducts or a clogged air filter. The air conditioning system is a part of the car where bacteria and mold tend to accumulate. Mold can be blown directly into the car through the air vents, polluting the indoor air and affecting the respiratory system. Methods to eliminate air conditioning odors include: 1. If the air conditioning system hasn't been used for long and only has dust on the panel and vents, a simple wipe-down may suffice; 2. If the air conditioning has been used for an extended period and cannot be cleaned easily by oneself, it's advisable to contact after-sales service for a thorough cleaning.
I've been driving for almost 20 years and have encountered the issue of unpleasant air conditioning odors several times. The most common cause is accumulated water in the AC system that hasn't been properly drained, which can easily grow mold in hot weather, producing a rotten smell. For instance, that time I forgot to change the AC filter for over a year, and when I turned on the AC, a musty earthy smell came out. Upon opening it, I found it was full of dust and decomposed leaf debris. Another issue is when condensation water accumulates on the evaporator during AC operation. Without regular disinfection, bacteria can grow and produce a sour smell, sometimes noticeable even after parking. Smoking or eating in the car can also leave residual odors that seep into the system. In such cases, I recommend first replacing the filter and cleaning the air ducts. If that doesn't help, take it to a repair shop to check for damaged or leaking pipes. Leaving it untreated for too long isn't just unpleasant—it might also affect respiratory health, especially during long summer drives when the smell can be really headache-inducing. Remember to maintain your AC regularly, cleaning it at least once a year, which can save a lot of hassle.
