December 26, 2024
There are a lot of reasons why your car air conditioner smells. But your vehicle is supposed to smell nice and fresh all the time and not stink, right?
So what causes unwanted car air conditioner smells? Keep reading, as today we will share with you the different smells and their causes, along with some tips to keep your car smelling fresh all the time.
Different Car Air Conditioner Smells You Should Know
Here are some of the most common car air conditioner smells you should know about.
1. Fuel Like Odor
When there is a gas leak, whenever you turn your aircon on, you will get a fuel-like smell. This AC in car smells like gas that can come from a lot of places, and it becomes very important that you get your car checked. Some of the places that you must not forget to look at are the exhaust pipes, mufflers, fuel pressure regulators and fuel injector “O” rings in the engine.
The sooner you identify the problem, the faster you will be able to get rid of the air conditioner car smell. It is recommended to consult with a mechanic as fuel leakage can be very dangerous.
2. Egg Like Odour
This smell is also caused due to fuel issues. When the car ac smells a lot and resembles a rotten egg odour, it means there is a problem with the fuel system. This is usually caused by damage to the catalytic converter, fuel filters, or fuel pressure sensors. A sulphur gas leak occurs when these parts do not work properly; the gas that leaks makes its way through the vents, giving a bad odour to your car. One other reason why the rotten egg smell comes is when the transmission fluid becomes too old. You can fix this by simply replacing it with new fluid.
When your car aircon stinks of rotten eggs, make sure you address the problem as soon as possible. It is highly recommended that you contact a mechanic and get the problem fixed as soon as possible.
Also Read: 8 Signs of a Bad AC Compressor
3. Feet Like Odour
This musky, stale smell occurs when bacteria and dust accumulate in the ducts of the air conditioners. A dirty cabin filter can also lead to car air conditioner smells like feet or old socks.
This odour also means that your car’s air filter has accumulated excess moisture. This is a very common issue in Australia as summers are quite hot, and people pump up the AC as soon as summer hits. When the air conditioner is turned on, it produces water condensation, trying to keep us cool, and it collects in the filter. To tackle this issue, you should visit a car AC repair shop.
When your AC has a dirty cabin filter, this can lead to a nasty smell that resembles old socks. The higher your aircon, the more condensation. This accumulated water, when combined with Australian heat, facilitates the growth of fungus and mould, and as a result, your car air con stinks.
4. Burning Rubber Like Odour
When the car aircon is smelly and resembles the odour of burning rubber, it means that there is an issue within the car that needs to be addressed. This burning rubber-like smell is an indication of a loose rubber hose of the drive belt inside the engine. When these loose parts move around and come in contact with hot parts of the engine, it creates a burning rubber smell.
A burning rubber smell is also a clear indication of leakage of oil or fluid or damage to the engine’s drive belt. Whatever it is, a burning rubber smell needs to be taken care of at the earliest. If your car has this smell, visit your nearest auto care shop in Perth.
Also Read: Car Aircon Regas: Everything You Need To Know
Tips For Having A Fresh Smelling Car
Here are a few tips that you can keep in mind to keep your car smelling fresh always.
1. Use Natural Odor Absorbers
This is one of the best ways of keeping your car smelling fresh all the time. If you are someone who does not want to rely on harsh chemicals and wants an eco-friendly and safe way of neutralising unwanted smells, then natural odour absorbers are your best friend.
Popular Natural Odor Absorbers:
1. Activated Charcoal:
This is very effective in absorbing odours. All you have to do is place a small bag under your seat, and you will get freshness that lasts for a long time.
2. Baking Soda:
On the carpets and upholstery of your car, sprinkle some baking soda and let it sit for some time. Vacuum it, and it will eliminate all odours.
3. Coffee Grounds:
If you love the pleasant aroma of coffee, then leave a small container with coffee grounds inside it. It will absorb unwanted car ac stinks and make your car smell like coffee.
4. White Vinegar:
Pour white vinegar into a bowl and leave it inside your car for the night. It will absorb strong smells like food or smoke odours.
Natural solutions like these not only keep your car smelling fresh but also ensure you avoid fragrances made out of chemicals that may cause allergies or discomfort.
2. Invest In High-Quality Air Fresheners
The simplest way to remove unwanted odours is using air fresheners. But a lot of people do not know that all air fresheners are not the same. As a result, choosing a freshener that is the best for your car can be a bit difficult.
Types of Car Air Fresheners to Consider:
1. Hanging Air Fresheners:
These are affordable and available in different varieties of scents. The most common place to hang them is on your rearview mirror.
2. Vent Clip Air Fresheners:
These need to be attached to the air vents of your car. This will distribute the fragrance evenly throughout the car when you turn your AC on.
3. Gel Air Fresheners:
These are sold in small containers that need to be placed on the dashboard or under seats. They last for a very long time and are one of the best solutions in case of serious smell issues.
Make sure that the fragrance you choose is subtle and not so strong that you cannot stand it. It is best to go for scents like lavender, citrus, or fresh linen to get rid of AC stinks in car and make it feel more inviting without being overwhelming.
Consult A Mechanic
If you smell burning rubber or rotten eggs, you need to visit an auto repair shop as soon as possible. Issues with the various parts of your car cause these odours. If you do not address these issues, it can lead to serious damage to your car and even accidents.
Keep in mind that a problem with the cooling system can also lead to unwanted smells, and even using fresheners or natural absorbers won’t work; in those cases, a car air conditioning repair can be done by a mechanic. However, it is recommended that if there are any unwanted smells, contacting a mechanic is the best solution.
Conclusion
You should now be clear about what causes car ac smells bad. You can follow the tips above to reduce or avoid smells inside your car. Also, consult with car repair services to be on the safe side.
FAQs
1. How to fix a smelly air conditioner?
Answer:
You need to visit a car service provider in Perth in order to get your smelly air conditioner fixed. This is because professional expertise is required to remove the system and clean it thoroughly.
2. Why does my car smell when I turn on the fan?
Answer:
Dirt, dust, and debris buildup in the under-hood air intake vent and trapped water and moisture on the AC evaporator and in the evaporator case lead to these smells.
3. How often should I clean the Car AC?
Answer:
It would be best if you cleaned your AC once a year to avoid car air conditioner smells.