What to Do When the Car Air Conditioner Has an Earthy Smell?

2 Answers
PaigeRose
07/24/25 7:00am
If your car air conditioner has an earthy smell, you can drive the car under the sun, set the air conditioning system to warm air mode, turn the fan to the maximum speed, and let it sit for more than ten minutes with all doors and windows open. If the issue persists, it may be due to a dirty cabin air filter, which needs replacement. If necessary, the air conditioning system can be cleaned. Here are some tips for using the car air conditioner: 1. Open windows before turning on the air conditioner: In summer, do not immediately enter a car that has been exposed to the sun, or if you do, avoid turning on the air conditioner right away. First, open all windows and doors, then turn on the fan to accelerate air circulation. After a few minutes, close the windows and doors and turn on the air conditioner. This helps release toxic substances and cools the car interior quickly. 2. Direct the airflow diagonally upward: This utilizes the principle that hot air rises and cold air sinks, allowing the cold air to cool the car from top to bottom. 3. Switch between internal and external circulation: Choose based on the vehicle's environment. For example, if the car is stuck in traffic in a busy urban area, use the internal circulation function to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the car and keep the interior air clean.
Was this review help?
10
2
Share
DiFaith
08/11/25 2:42am
I've also encountered the issue of a musty smell in my car's air conditioning, which smells like freshly turned soil, and it's quite annoying. It's mostly due to a dirty or moldy air filter, as high humidity can easily breed bacteria, and prolonged neglect can release odors. Last time, I replaced the filter myself by opening the glove compartment, locating the rectangular filter, removing the old one, and installing the new one—the whole process took about ten minutes. When cleaning, it's best to spray the ducts with a neutral cleaner to prevent mold buildup. It's recommended to replace the filter every six months and ventilate the car more often during spring and autumn, which keeps the air fresh and reduces allergy risks. Proper maintenance not only saves on repair costs but also makes driving much more comfortable.
Was this review help?
16
5
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

What is the relationship between SAIC Group and SAIC Volkswagen?

SAIC Group is the parent company of Shanghai Volkswagen and Shanghai General Motors. Below is more relevant information: 1. SAIC Group: SAIC Motor Corporation Limited is the largest automotive listed company in China's A-share market. By the end of 2013, SAIC Group's total share capital had reached 11 billion shares. The main vehicle enterprises under SAIC Group include the Passenger Vehicle Company, Commercial Vehicle Company, Shanghai Volkswagen, Shanghai General Motors, SAIC-GM-Wuling, Nanjing Iveco, SAIC-Iveco Hongyan, and Shanghai Sunwin. 2. SAIC Volkswagen: SAIC Volkswagen Automotive Co., Ltd. (referred to as "SAIC Volkswagen") is a Sino-German joint venture co-operated by SAIC Group and Volkswagen Group. The company was founded in October 1984 and is one of the longest-standing automotive joint ventures in China. The company's headquarters is located in Anting, Shanghai, and it has established production bases in Nanjing, Yizheng, Urumqi, Ningbo, Changsha, and other locations.
17
5
Share

Methods for Cleaning Stubborn Stains on Car Glass

Twelve methods to remove stubborn stains from car glass: 1. Toothpaste for water stains: Apply toothpaste to the car body, take an appropriate amount, apply it on the water stains, and then wipe with a soft towel. 2. Sludge remover for water stains: Purchase a sludge remover, which can also remove asphalt spots when the car is dry during the next wash. 3. Computer screen cleaning kits have a good cleaning effect on simple stains. 4. Detergent for water stains: Dishwashing detergent used in the kitchen can also remove stubborn water stains. 5. Car glass cleaner for stains: Especially effective against stains caused by insect remains, bird droppings, and resin, with the same usage method as detergent. 6. Hydrochloric acid for water stains: Buy some hydrochloric acid, dilute it in a plastic container, and use a plastic brush. After a while, it can be removed with water. If some stains remain, wipe again with diluted hydrochloric acid and rinse with clean water. 7. Matte polish + waxing: At car paint repair points, use fine polishing compounds to polish the car body surface without damaging the paint, as there is a thin layer of varnish outside, like a transparent plastic layer. After waxing, it won’t get stained by water. 8. Avoid using gasoline: Gasoline is a highly soluble liquid that dissolves water stains and the paint surface. 9. Professional body water stain remover: For substances like asphalt, clean dirt and sand from the car body before use, pour the remover on a sponge, wipe off the water stains, and then rinse with clean water. 10. Polishing and respraying: If the wax film cannot be removed from the defective area, smooth it gently and then polish.
7
1
Share

Is there a mandatory scrapping period for motorcycles?

Motorcycles do have a mandatory scrapping period. The service life for three-wheeled motorcycles is 12 years, while other motorcycles have a service life of 13 years. Below is the relevant information about motorcycle scrapping: Motorcycle scrapping standards: Motorcycles must be scrapped if they still fail to meet the national safety technical standards for in-use vehicles after repair and adjustment, or if they continue to emit pollutants or noise that exceeds national standards after repair, adjustment, or the application of control technologies. Additionally, motorcycles must be scrapped if they fail to obtain an inspection qualification mark for three consecutive inspection cycles after the expiration of their inspection validity period. Motorcycle scrapping procedures: To process the scrapping, the owner must bring the "Application Form for Vehicle Suspension, Resumption/Cancellation of Registration," the identity proof of the vehicle owner, the vehicle license, the vehicle registration certificate, and the license plate to the vehicle management office. The office will issue a delivery order, and the owner must then send the vehicle to a recycling company. After obtaining the recycling certificate from the recycling company, the owner can return to the vehicle management office to complete the scrapping procedures.
15
0
Share

Is the impact significant if engine oil exceeds six months?

Engine oil exceeding six months has a considerable impact. Below is more relevant information: 1. Effects: If the engine oil has exceeded six months, it is recommended to replace it, as once oxidized, its sealing and lubricating properties significantly decline. The primary consequence of reduced lubrication is severe engine wear, hence it is advised not to use engine oil beyond six months. 2. Other issues: (1) Prolonged non-replacement of engine oil leads to the accumulation of many impurities, such as iron filings and large dust particles, which not only cause wear but also corrode internal components. (2) Once the engine oil deteriorates and its performance declines, the lubrication of bearings and the cooling function of mechanical transmission parts are lost, adversely affecting the vehicle's optimal driving condition.
2
2
Share

How long after waxing a car can it come into contact with water?

After waxing a car, it can generally come into contact with water in about 30 minutes. Typically, within 30-60 minutes after waxing, once the wax has dried, the car can be exposed to water. The primary purpose of waxing is to protect against the erosion of rainwater and acid rain, so it's best to perform the waxing under good weather conditions. Below are some related points about car waxing: 1. Since waxing is only a basic level of protection in car care, its protective effects don't last very long. Usually, the effect of waxing will diminish after two to three weeks. 2. If you want longer-lasting protection, you might consider opting for paint sealing or even crystal coating. Paint sealing typically offers protection for about three to four months, while crystal coating can last for about a year. 3. To achieve a shiny, like-new appearance after waxing, a full car polish is often performed before waxing. However, since polishing can damage the car's paint, it's important to strictly limit the number of times the car is polished.
9
4
Share

What is a B1 driver's license?

B1 driver's license is for medium-sized buses. Below are the relevant details: 1. Definition: It is defined as a medium-sized passenger vehicle not exceeding 6 meters in length, with a rated passenger capacity of 10 (inclusive) to 19 (inclusive) people. Other permitted vehicle types include C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), C3 (low-speed trucks), C4 (three-wheeled cars), and M (wheeled self-propelled machinery). 2. Notes: It's important to note that the B1 license does not include B2. If a holder of a B1 license wants to drive large trucks, they can upgrade their license to a B1B2 license (or A1, A2, A1A2, etc.).
2
2
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.