Where Does the Smell Come From After a Car Drives Through Water?

[Joan]

After driving through water, the car carries dirty water such as sewage, which contains a large number of bacteria, leading to unpleasant odors over time. Here are some related details: 1. Vehicle wading: As the name suggests, it refers to driving a vehicle on low-lying, waterlogged roads, passing through water. This usually occurs during rainy weather when inadequate drainage leads to water accumulation in low-lying road sections. 2. Precautions: Before driving through water, pay attention to the depth, flow direction, and speed of the water, and assess whether there are obstacles like mud or quicksand underwater. Additionally, wrap the distributor and high-voltage wires with plastic sheets before wading. Observe the route and speed of the vehicle ahead to gauge the water depth and determine if your car can pass through safely.

[SanAdaline]

I've been driving for many years and have often encountered a foul musty smell in the car after driving through water, mainly due to water seeping into the interior. The most common issue is that carpets and seat sponges absorb water and dry slowly, especially when water accumulates under the floor mats after driving through puddles in the rain, leading to mold growth and an unpleasant odor. The air conditioning system is also critical, as water can enter through the air intake, causing dampness in the ducts where bacteria thrive, resulting in foul-smelling air when the AC is turned on next time. I remember once when I didn't use my car for a few days while on a business trip, and upon returning, the interior was covered in mold spots, requiring a thorough cleaning that took me half a day. So now, after driving through water, I immediately use a dry cloth to soak up the moisture and turn on the heat with air circulation to dry the interior and prevent mold. Regularly checking door seals and chassis drainage holes is also important to avoid repeated water ingress. Older cars with poor sealing are more prone to these issues, so regular maintenance can save a lot of hassle.

[Nettie]

The odor after wading mainly comes from the air conditioning ducts and interior materials. As someone who loves tinkering with cars, I've noticed that the air intake for the AC is located below the windshield, making it prone to splashing water inside. Stagnant water leads to bacterial growth, resulting in a musty smell. Interior components like carpets absorb water and slowly ferment, growing mold and emitting unpleasant odors. I've tried using deodorizers to spray, but they only temporarily mask the root cause of the odor. Prolonged exposure can also affect health, especially when the AC blows out unclean air, potentially causing allergies. It's crucial to take immediate action after wading, such as turning on ventilation to dehumidify or removing carpets to air dry. Regular cleaning of the AC ducts to prevent water accumulation is a key preventive measure, and I've made it a habit to check every quarter.

[AshleyAnn]

The odor after a car has been through water usually comes from accumulated water in the interior or air conditioning system. Water that seeps into carpets and seat covers is difficult to dry completely, leading to mold and foul smells. If water enters the air conditioning ducts, bacteria can multiply, causing stronger odors when the air is turned on. When dealing with this, I first absorb the water and then use hot air to dry the area. It's important to clean promptly to avoid corrosion of electrical circuits—simple and effective. After driving through water, avoid parking in damp places to minimize problems.