What to Do When Car Air Conditioning Vents Are Blocked?
2 Answers
Clean the evaporator pipes and radiator fins. If the filter in the reservoir is clogged, clean or replace the filter. Clean or replace the air filter, remove any obstructions in the channels, and bleed the air pipes. If the air delivery pipe is damaged, replace it. If the blower motor switch is malfunctioning, the motor has poor contact, or the blower is not securely fixed, address these issues accordingly.
I've also encountered clogged air vents while driving, mainly due to accumulated dust from lack of regular cleaning. Find a safe place to park and turn off the engine, then use a small brush or toothpick to gently clean the vent gaps. If you don't have tools, just vacuum the dust. If it feels severely clogged, there might be debris inside the vents or the AC filter might be too dirty. I usually take the opportunity to replace the filter—that thing needs changing every six months to avoid issues. Don't forget to check if there's any foreign object blocking the air ducts; you can carefully use compressed air to blow it out, but don't use too much force to avoid damaging the parts. Clogged AC vents reduce airflow, making the car less fuel-efficient and slower to cool in summer, so I've developed a habit of regular cleaning. This also helps reduce odors and keeps the cabin air fresh.
