Where Does the Strong Musty Smell in the Car Come From?

[HectorDella]

In-car musty odors primarily originate from the vehicle's air conditioning system. Below is a detailed explanation of the sources of musty smells in cars: 1. Cabin Air Filter: The cabin air filter is responsible for filtering the air, trapping any foreign particles before they enter the system. Besides filtering dust, it also absorbs odors. Failure to replace the cabin air filter for an extended period can lead to clogging, which not only reduces airflow but also intensifies unpleasant odors. 2. Evaporator: The evaporator is essential for achieving cooling effects. As outside air passes through the evaporator, it inevitably carries moisture and dust. While most of this moisture and dust is expelled from the vehicle through the air conditioning drain, a small portion remains attached to the evaporator. Over time, this can lead to mold growth, producing a sour, rotten smell. This is often an overlooked area and one of the reasons why the source of the odor can be hard to identify. In such cases, it is necessary to have a professional technician clean the vehicle's air conditioning system.