With the hot weather approaching in full swing in the UAE, car AC is a necessity. As mercury soars, it is important to have proper-running air conditioning for a comfortable ride. However, it can cause a major inconvenience if you notice a musty smell coming from the cabin. There can be numerous reasons why the car air conditioner smells musty, adding to the discomfort of the passengers.
That said, we have jotted down the reasons why such a smell builds up in the car AC and how it can be eliminated.
Reasons your car AC has a musty smell
There are many reasons why your car AC has a musty smell. From excessive condensation to the build-up of debris, there are many factors. Let’s go through their details.
A Build-Up of Dirt in the Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter ensures a well-ventilated cabin for all passengers. It traps the dirt particles and contaminants to prevent them from entering the cabin. However, if it is not changed and cleaned timely, it can get clogged.
When this happens, the grime particles will further circulate in the cabin. Due to a clogged and bad cabin air filter, you will notice a musty smell.
Mouldy Vents
The air through a car’s ventilation system passes through the vents at the very last. This leads to most of the condensation resting in this area. If the car vents are not cleaned thoroughly, it can lead to a build-up of mould. As a result, a musty smell develops inside the car.
Mould in Evaporator Coils
Just like the vents, the other parts of a car’s conditioning system are affected if not maintained regularly. The evaporator is an important part of the car AC system. The coils and fins act as flow paths for the air.
These parts can become damaged due to excessive moisture. As a result, mould starts to grow in fins and coils and your car AC smells musty.
Excessive Condensation
The car AC system is designed to drain the water from it and to keep the cabin temperature comfortable. That said, due to the excessive condensation, you will observe water leaking from under your car.
However, if the drains of the AC system become obstructed, condensation will build up in the system. Excessive condensation is one of the common car AC issues which can lead to the accumulation of mould and mildew and you will observe a musty smell.
Ways to Get Rid of Musty Smell in Car AC
Now that we know the causes, here is how to remove the musty smell from the air conditioner. You can follow these methods to solve the issue and keep your car cabin air fresh.
Opt for an AC Cleaner
An air conditioner cleaner wipes off the oxidation and dust particles from the vents and coils. This helps in efficient airflow and operation of the system. You can follow these steps to clean the car AC parts with a cleaner.
- Dry the air conditioner by turning it on and the fan to the maximum speed.
- After it’s done, turn off the engine.
- Remove the cabin air filter.
- Spray the AC vents with the cleaner and leave it for some time.
- Now turn on the car engine and let the AC run for a few minutes.
Opting for an AC cleaner not only helps to keep the musty smell from returning but also adds to the proper functioning of the car AC.
Empty Out Air Inlets and Drain
When you park your car under a tree, the leaves and debris clog the air inlets. It is essential that the inlets are cleared of dust and leaves to avoid any blockage. Also, the drain pipe under the vehicle needs to be checked and emptied regularly. You can do it with the help of compressed air or a metal wire.
Replace Cabin Air Filter
According to some automakers, the cabin air filter must be replaced every six months. Cleaning or changing dirty air filters is one of the most useful car AC maintenance tips. The frequent clogging of the air filter leads to an ineffective air conditioning system. It also develops a musty smell and the noises increase from the blower motor.
Ozone Treatment
Ozone treatment is effective and feasible to remove any wanted odour from your car. It involves the usage of ozone gas to remove bacteria, viruses and foul smells. The gas penetrates the vents and seeps through the car upholstery and all the nooks and corners of the car’s interior.
You can also carry out this treatment with the help of an ozone generator. Follow these steps to remove any unpleasant odour from your car.
- Clean the vehicle thoroughly, leaving no residue behind.
- Strip the vehicle of any items and vacuum the interior.
- Make sure that nothing is inside the car.
- Place the ozone generator inside the car or blow the gas through the window with the hose.
- Depending on how strong the odour is, run the machine for 30-120 minutes.
- You can repeat the steps if the odour is not eliminated.
- Leave the car windows open for an hour. Do not enter the car during this time.
With this treatment, the source of the odour is oxidised and removed. It helps to eliminate microorganisms in unreachable areas of the car.
Clean the Car Interior Thoroughly
Keeping your car clean is an important factor in a car maintenance checklist. To avoid the build-up of a musty smell in your car, you can follow these steps for a deep clean up.
- Remove any loose or unnecessary items.
- Remove the car carpets and vacuum them.
- Properly clean the car dashboard.
- Clean all the crevices such as the console and cupholders.
- Wipe the seats with a suitable cleaner.
- Make sure to add an air freshener to the car.
These are details about what causes a musty smell in car AC and how you can eliminate it. If you notice such a smell, you can follow the above-mentioned methods to get rid of it. Besides, you should also know about the causes and fixes for experiencing a burning smell from the car.
These tips will help in maintaining a clean and pleasant car interior. Also, if you’re looking for your next purchase, go through these used cars for sale in the UAE.
Stay connected to dubizzle’s auto blog for more tips and tricks on car maintenance.
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