Why does the Buick Excelle have an odor?
4 Answers
The reasons for the odor in the Buick Excelle are as follows: 1. Odors produced by plastic, leather, or rubber products: These can generate certain smells, primarily appearing in new cars. 2. Poor-quality self-added decorations: Seat covers, steering wheel covers, anti-slip mats, etc. If the materials of these decorations are substandard, they can release large amounts of harmful gases when installed in the car, leading to stuffy air inside the vehicle and even causing odors. 3. Human sweat or garbage left in the car: Garbage left in the car can easily emit unpleasant smells. 4. Long-term lack of vent cleaning: If not cleaned regularly, accumulated dirt can mold and produce odors. Additionally, bacteria can grow and mold in the air conditioning evaporator, which is also a cause of car odors.
I've been driving a Buick Excelle for several years and have encountered unpleasant odors inside the cabin a few times. The most common issue is musty or sour smells coming through the AC vents, usually caused by accumulated dust and mold in the evaporator and ducts - especially noticeable during heavy summer usage. That new car smell of plastic or adhesives is normal when first purchased and typically fades within a month or two, but persistent odors may indicate aging interior materials releasing volatile compounds. Another frequent culprit is damp carpets or seats - for instance, when rainwater seeps through window gaps and isn't dried promptly, leading to mold growth. If there are leaks in the engine compartment (like oil or coolant), these odors can enter through the ventilation system. My advice is to first inspect the AC system when noticing odors, using antibacterial cleaners or professional deep-cleaning services. Maintaining a dry, well-ventilated interior is crucial, and don't ignore minor issues as they may signal deeper mechanical problems.
From the perspective of vehicle usage, there are several typical sources of odors in the Buick Excelle. Air conditioning system issues are the primary cause; a clogged cabin air filter or a moldy evaporator can produce a musty smell, requiring regular filter replacement or duct cleaning. Interior materials such as plastic panels, leather, or adhesives may release chemical odors after several years of use, especially in hot weather. Water ingress into the cabin is also a common problem, as damp carpets can breed bacteria, resulting in a mildew-like odor. Leaks around the engine, such as from fuel or coolant evaporation, can also seep into the air conditioning intake. I recommend owners conduct simple self-checks first: identify the odor source, check carpet moisture levels, and inspect the air conditioning vents. Solutions include using cleaning agents, ensuring the interior remains dry and well-ventilated, and consulting a technician if necessary to inspect seals or electrical systems. For prevention, biannual air conditioning maintenance can help avoid issues.
My Buick Excelle sometimes has a strange smell inside the car, which is really annoying. It might be due to dust accumulation or mold in the air conditioning system. When I turn on the AC in summer, the musty odor comes out and makes me feel dizzy. The plastic smell when it was new wasn't too bad—just putting in some charcoal bags for a few weeks helped. But it's frustrating when an older car develops odors again. If the car carpet gets wet and doesn't dry properly, like when the door isn't closed tightly after rain, the musty smell can linger and be hard to remove. Food or drinks spilled on the seats and left uncleaned can start to stink overnight. I've tried cleaning the AC ducts and filters myself—using car cleaning sprays from the supermarket helps a bit, but taking it to a professional car wash for carpet treatment is more effective. Spending a little money saves a lot of hassle. Usually, just opening the windows for ventilation makes a big difference.
