All the benefits of a good AC system in your car go out the window if your car's AC starts giving off a foul odor.
If your car's AC smells bad, like vinegar, or like mildew, or just gives off a musty smell, it is usually the case that the cabin filter is blocked or dirty. It might also be a blocked AC drain or the collection of dust and debris in the system, or mildew growth.
Each of these problems is fairly easy to identify, and this guide will show you how to not only deal with a car AC that smells bad but to prevent such embarrassment from happening in the future.
Why Your Car's AC Smells Bad
There are four most common reasons behind that car AC musty smell: mold or mildew, a clogged or dirty cabin filter, a blocked AC drain, and dust or debris in the system.
1. Mold Or Mildew
If your car's AC system smells like mold or mildew, the cause of the smell is rather obvious: mold or mildew is growing in the interior of the system.
Mold or mildew is a rather common AC issue, and it occurs when the moisture condenses on the evaporator coils and doesn’t dry out completely.
If this happens frequently, the interior of the AC becomes a breeding ground for mold and mildew. And you will easily recognize that this is the issue, simply by feeling that unmistakable musty smell.
2. Clogged Or Dirty Cabin Air Filter
Another common reason for a car's AC smelling musty is a clogged or dirty cabin air filter. The cabin air filter in your car’s AC system naturally traps dust, pollen, and even bacteria from the air, and it can get really dirty over time.
Over time, it can become so dirty that it gets clogged. When that happens, your AC starts circulating dirty air through your car, which will inevitably smell bad.
3. Blocked AC Drain
If your car smells musty or particularly bad in any other way, it might be a blocked AC drain issue.
A car AC system contains drain lines for condensed water to leave the system. Sometimes, these drain lines can become blocked, preventing water from escaping.
As a result, all that excess moisture lingers in the AC system and inside your car’s cabin. This leads to mold and bacterial growth, which causes unpleasant smells.
4. Dust And Debris In The System
Dust and debris in the system are another major reason your car's AC might smell bad. As your AC system takes in the air to cool it down, it can also take in dust and other debris, such as leaves and insects.
When this debris reaches the system and meets with all the moisture from condensation, it starts to decay. Then, you get that smell of decay in your car.
How to Get the Bad Smell out of Your Car
Now, it’s time to show you how to get a bad smell out of your car. Once you figure out the cause of your car's AC smelling bad, all you need to do is take the following steps to address the issue:
- For a clogged or dirty cabin air filter, replace the cabin air filter. You can get good-quality cabin air filters for cars, trucks, and SUVs for less than $25.
- If there is mold and mildew on the evaporator coils, you need to clean them. It is entirely possible to clean a car’s AC evaporator coils without removing the AC.
- Use a vacuum pump to pull the moisture from your AC system
Using Your AC Properly to Keep It From Smelling Bad
Some issues might even stem from improper AC use. Many people shut off their engine while the AC is still running.
The moisture condensed on the evaporator coils doesn’t get enough time to evaporate, and over time, it causes mold and mildew.
To prevent this, always turn off your AC before shutting off your car’s engine. Keep the fan on the highest setting to speed up the drying process.
How to Prevent Your AC From Smelling Bad
Most of the causes of a car's AC smelling bad stem from moisture and dirt in the AC system. Moisture in the system creates the ideal environment for bacteria and mold to grow, which will inevitably cause musty smells in your car.
One of the best ways to prevent this moisture accumulation is to use a vacuum pump to pull the moisture out of the AC system.
- A vacuum pump allows you to pull all moisture and air from your AC system before adding refrigerant.
- By using a vacuum pump, you ensure that your AC system is dry, clean, and less prone to musty smells.
Other solutions are mostly aimed at removing the smells once they appear, but these solutions can’t help you with prevention.
Affordable Vacuum Pumps from Orionmotors
Investing in a vacuum pump for your AC system can save you from some more serious issues in the future. The good news is, this investment doesn’t have to be expensive. As a matter of fact, you can find high-quality vacuum pumps at affordable prices. All you need to do is to visit Orionmotors, and here are our top picks:
4.5cfm Vacuum Pump, 1 Stage HVAC Vacuum Pump for R12 R22 R134a R410a Systems
This vacuum pump has a powerful 1/3 hp copper motor and a 4.5 cfm flow rate. This makes it ideal for HVAC servicing and degassing resins or solvents. It’s built with durable materials and user-friendly features, and it includes accessories, multiple port sizes, and a one-year warranty for reliable performance:
4 cfm AC Vacuum Pump R1234yf Gauge Set with Leak Detector & Accessories
If you are looking for a complete service kit, this one is perfect for you. It includes a 1/3 hp vacuum pump, manifold gauge, leak detector, and accessories for easy refrigerant evacuation and recharging. You’ll never struggle with smelly AC again:
How Often Should You Service Your Car’s AC System
Let’s be honest, it is so easy to forget about your car’s AC until something goes wrong. For example, until it starts to cause foul odors in your car.
However, regular maintenance is necessary for keeping your AC system fresh and functional. So, if you notice weak airflow, strange noises, or musty odors, it’s time for a check-up.
Even if everything seems fine, experts recommend servicing your AC system at least once a year. This includes checking refrigerant levels, inspecting the cabin filter, and running a vacuum pump to clear out moisture.
Doing all that at least once a year will prevent much worse issues.
Conclusion
Many car owners experience that dreaded car AC musty smell. The good news is that there are some common issues that cause such a nasty odor, and they are relatively easy to fix, especially if you have a vacuum pump. Orion Motor vacuum pumps are affordable, durable, and easy to use, so make sure to check them out!
If, for some reason, you are particularly prone to funky smells in your car, you might want to check out these 4 reasons why your car smells like gas.
