Why Does the Car AC Smell Bad When Starting?
4 Answers
An unpleasant odor when first turning on the car's air conditioning may be caused by mold growth on the AC evaporator, where bacteria accumulate and multiply. Additionally, not replacing the cabin air filter for an extended period can also lead to foul smells when the AC is turned on. To address this issue, it is recommended to install a new cabin air filter or thoroughly clean the existing one before reinstalling it. Reasons for AC odors include: 1. Evaporator: The evaporator is the primary component responsible for AC cooling. During the cooling process, it comes into contact with external air, particularly in heavily polluted urban or industrial areas, which can draw contaminants and dust into the AC circulation system. While most particles are expelled during routine cleaning, some residue remains and can eventually produce odors over time. 2. Cabin Air Filter: The main function of the cabin air filter is to purify incoming air. Over prolonged use, it can accumulate dirt and debris. If left uncleaned or unreplaced for too long, it may develop a foul smell.
When turning on the air conditioning, there is an unpleasant odor. I've driven many cars, and this situation is common because dust and mold accumulate in the ducts. After the air conditioning system is turned off, moisture doesn't dissipate completely, and over time, it becomes moldy and deteriorates, releasing a foul smell. The solution isn't complicated—before parking, turn on the high fan for a few minutes to dry out the system, or regularly replace the air conditioning filter. If the smell persists, don't hesitate; go to a shop for professional cleaning immediately. When I encounter this issue, I usually check the filter first—if it's dirty, replace it. Also, use the external circulation mode more often to reduce humidity. This way, the odor disappears quickly, driving becomes more comfortable, and it helps avoid problems like coughing caused by dust.
That unpleasant smell when the car's AC starts up is really annoying. It's caused by a dirty evaporator coil breeding bacteria and mold. The mixture of residual condensation and dust in the ducts deteriorates over time. To deal with this, first try running the AC at high speed for a few minutes to see if the odor reduces. Replacing the filter is also important as it blocks some contaminants. If that doesn't work, you can spray some specialized cleaner yourself, but be careful not to damage electrical components. As daily maintenance, avoid turning off the AC immediately after parking - leave some time for it to dry out. With the odor gone and the air freshened, your driving experience will naturally improve significantly.
A foul smell when the car's air conditioning is turned on is usually caused by mold in the ducts. If the air conditioning is not used for a long time, water accumulates in the evaporator, allowing bacteria to grow and mold to form. The odor is unpleasant and affects health. A simple solution is to turn on the fan at high speed for a few minutes with the air circulation set to outside air, which helps dry the system. Check the filter and replace it immediately if it's dirty. Spraying a cleaning agent you bought yourself can also be effective. Once the odor is eliminated, driving becomes more comfortable.
