Believe it or not, summer is almost here! And few things in life are more relieving on a hot summer’s day than blasting the air con in your car. Ahhh… We can feel it now!

But if you’ve ever been greeted by a foul smell from your car air con, you’re not alone. You might, morbidly, be wondering what that smell might be… and if you’re brave enough to find out, we’ll tell you in this post – along with the common issues that affect car air con systems.

Let’s get into it, and explore some practical solutions for keeping your cool on the road.

SO… WHAT IS THAT SMELL?

Imagine blasting the AC on a hot day – and instead of getting a crisp, cool rush of air in your face, you get the putrid, hot stink of old socks wet dog.

[Editor: Nobody enjoyed that sentence.]

The culprit behind these foul smells often lurks within the depths of your car’s air conditioning system. And public enemy number one? Microbes. Lots of microbes. Mould, mildew and bacteria – all feasting on the moisture, dust and organic matter accumulated on the evaporator coil.

It’s an ideal breeding ground for microbes. With the AC left dormant over the more temperate months, the microbes all flourish with no extreme cold to contend with.

Then, summer rolls around – and as the car air con system cycles air through the cabin for the first time in a long time, these microbial colonies release smelly compounds that permeate the whole interior of your car.

This mould and bacterial buildup doesn;t just smell gross – it might even be harmful to people with breathing issues or compromised immune systems. It stinks, but it’s no joke.

So, besides covering up the rank odour with an air freshener, what can you do to stop the stink?

CAN YOU STOP YOUR CAR AIR CON FROM GETTING SMELLY?

Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate the musk in your car’s air conditioning system.

Regular maintenance is the real key to keeping your car air con smelling fresh and functioning properly. If you’ve inadvertently kicked up a stink in your car, start off by inspecting and replacing your car’s cabin air filter. It’s one of those seldom thought about consumables that doesn’t affect the running of your car, but has a significant impact on health and comfort.

Clogged or dirty filters can trap smelly contaminants and impede airflow – and while they do have antimicrobial properties built-in, these wear off over time. Also, consider using air conditioning system cleaners or deodorizers designed to eliminate microbial growth behind vents and throughout ducts. Microbes like to hang out there, to.

Besides the smell, car air con can seem to become weaker over time. But why?

WHY DOES CAR AIR CON STOP WORKING? CAN IT BE FIXED?

Common culprits behind weak air conditioning include refrigerant leaks, compressor failures, electrical faults and component wear and tear.

While some DIY-loving car owners may attempt to diagnose and repair minor AC problems themselves, complex issues often require the expertise of trained mechanics. What’s probably a simple fix for them could be a weeklong project for someone without the right tools and knowledge – so tinkerers, enter with caution!

Qualified auto professionals can diagnose AC problems quickly, accurately and find effective solutions to restore your car’s cooling system to optimal performance.

ADDITIONAL CAR AIR CON TIPS

When it comes to maintaining your car’s air conditioning system, knowledge is power.

Get familiar with the signs of AC trouble – like reduced cooling performance, weird noises and funky smells. Address these issues promptly to prevent further damage, and just for comfort’s sake… After all, the smell’s not going to take itself out!

Be wary of common myths around car air conditioning maintenance – like “all you need is a regas!” – because this ignores bigger problems like leaks, filters and microbial buildup.

Best thing you can do is talk to automotive professionals for accurate information and advice, rooted in real-life experience.

And book your car in for regular inspections and servicing. It’ll kick up less of a stink than your AC, at least…

BOOK A CAR SERVICE WITH MASTER TECH AUTOS

Call 023 8061 1161 or contact us to book your car service.