Why Does My Car's Air Con Smell Bad?
With summer just around the corner and road trips calling, the last thing you’ll want is an unpleasant smell wading through your car when you turn on the air con. Whether it’s a musty odour or something more unpleasant, a bad smell in your air conditioning is a common issue. Luckily, it’s also an easy fix!
We’ll look at the most common causes of bad smells from your car’s air conditioning, how to fix it, and prevent it coming back in the future. Plus, how you can take advantage of our Summer Ready Service Bundle at your local National Tyres.
Book summer ready service bundle
Where does the smell come from?
If your air conditioning smells musty or stale, the problem is usually a build-up of mould and bacteria. Over time, dirt, moisture, and debris can collect in the air vents and filters – especially if your air con hasn’t been used for a while, like during the winter months. When you finally switch it on in summer, that build-up is pushed through your car, creating that all-too familiar unpleasant smell.
There also several other causes such as:
Lack of use – Not running your air con regularly allows moisture to build up, which creates opportunity for mould and mildew to grow.
Dirty air filters – These filters trap dust, pollen, and pollutants which over time can become clogged and smelly if not replaced or cleaned.
Low refrigerant – If your air con isn’t cooling as effectively and smells off, it might be time for a recharge. Old refrigerant can impact performance and allow bacteria to thrive.
AC system leaks – In rare cases, a leak elsewhere in the engine bay can affect the system and create bad odours.
How to fix a smelly air conditioning system
In most cases a simple anti-bacterial clean can get rid of the smell and restore freshness to your car’s air conditioning. This involves cleaning the filters and vents with a special treatment that kills mould, mildew, and bacteria.
If you’re not sure where to start, get your car, and air con summer ready with our Summer Ready service bundle.
If you’re planning a summer getaway or just want to stay comfortable on your daily drive, make sure your air con is in top condition. At National Tyres, we’ll check your air con to help you spot any issues early.
Our expert technicians will:
Ø Check your refrigerant levels.
Ø Look for any signs of leaks or damage
Ø Let you know if your system needs a recharge or anti-bacterial treatment.
It’s a quick and no-hassle way to make sure your car is kept cool and comfortable, no matter the weather.
How to prevent bad smells in the future
There are a few ways to prevent bad smells in the future. Firstly, we recommend using your air con all year round, even in winter. This helps keep the system running smoothly and prevents moisture from building up. Next, ensure you are having your air conditioning serviced regularly, and if you drive in dusty or polluted areas – changing your cabin filter annually will keep bad smells at bay.
Lastly, keep your interior clean and dry, this means cleaning up those spilled drinks, and drying out your mats when wet. By giving your interior some TLC, you’ll prevent smells from circulating through your air conditioning.
Keep it fresh
Your car’s air conditioning does more than just keep you cool, it helps clean the air, defog your windows, and keep you alert behind the wheel. But just like any other system in your car, it needs a little care and attention.
If your air con is starting to smell or isn’t working as well as it used to, don’t ignore it. Book a summer ready service bundle with National Tyres and head into summer keeping cool and ready for the miles ahead.
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