Five reasons why your car's air conditioning smells bad

The heat has arrived, you’re starting to take your car out a bit more, and you’ve been thinking about a short getaway, but as soon as you switched on the air conditioning, the car started to smell bad. It’s a smell that won’t go away even with the windows open. Well then, we’re going to help you and tell you about the five reasons why your car’s air conditioning smells bad.

The air conditioning or climate control system is made up of the following elements: compressor, reservoir, drains, pipes, air conditioning fluid, the belt connecting the compressor and the crankshaft, radiator, control unit, air vents or nozzles, flap doors, and controls and switches. If any of these elements has a problem, it could be the cause of the bad smell in your car’s air conditioning. Nevertheless, these are the five reasons why your car’s air conditioning smells bad.

Interior hygiene

Over the course of a day we spend many hours in the car, so some hygiene is essential. Remember that the CO2 we exhale, humidity, dust, mud and even the dirt we bring in on our feet can build up in the car and produce a bad smell. Car parks can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, especially if they have poor ventilation. It is important for the interior to be clean so that when the air is switched on, bad smells are not stirred up.

Filters

If the pollen filter or cabin filter is dirty, damp or clogged, it can create a bad smell. Change the filters regularly, as they are not a very expensive replacement part and will make your time inside your car more pleasant.

Blockages in the ducts

Blockages can be the cause of the bad smell in the car’s air conditioning system. If, in addition, the drains are clogged… the result will be a terrible smell. One of the symptoms may be that the front passenger’s floor mat is damp.

Vents and air nozzles

The air vents or nozzles are also another source of dirt, and they must be kept very clean if we don’t want dust and bad smells to spread throughout the car. The air outlets are also located under the seats. Don’t forget about them.

Dead leaves

Try to keep the grilles free of dead leaves and prevent them from accumulating in the drains. Unclog these elements, wash the car from time to time with soap and water, and check that the seals are in good condition, that the water drainage systems are working as they should and expelling water… and that the dreaded debris does not build up in the grilles where the air conditioning system draws in air, nor is present around the door frames or under the boot lid.