Why Does My Car A/C Smell?

July 5th, 2023 by
2021 Mazda CX-30 dashboard

WHY DOES MY CAR A/C SMELL IN MY CAR?

Some of the most interesting questions we hear from drivers about their vehicle have to do with the odd smells they experience in their vehicles. Just some include:

  • Burning plastic
  • Vinegar
  • Rotten eggs
  • Mustiness

There’s no end to the smells we hear about. So if you’re smelling something odd or downright stinky in your vehicle, then being concerned is very understandable. Schedule service to get one of our techs to look into why your car A/C smells, whether you’re smelling vinegar, mold, or something else.

CAR SMELLS ARE AS VARIOUS AS THEY ARE ODIFEROUS

Though many smells are harmless, some are worthy of investigation.  If you’re asking yourself “Why does my car A/C smell bad when first turned on?”, or if you’ve just notice a pungent A/C smell in your vehicle in all the time, then this piece is for you!  Don’t be shy about contacting us if you have any other questions about lingering car odors!

REASONS WHY YOUR CAR A/C SMELLS

If you’ve spilled milk in your trunk, then we can say with pretty good confidence why your car smells like sour milk. But if the car smell you’re noticing seems to be coming from the A/C system, and if it’s sour, then more often than not, it’s related to trapped moisture. That in turn, could be caused by a number of culprits, including:

  • A build-up of leaves or other natural material.
  • Mold in your air vents.
  • Clogged condensate pan.
  • Bacteria growth in the air handler.
  • Leaking battery acid.
  • Defective a/c components.
  • A cabin air filter that needs replacement.
  • …And more!

SCHEDULE SERVICE NOW TO NEUTRALIZE YOUR CAR A/C SMELLS!

Car odors can be tough to diagnose without making a proper inspection, so if you’re trying to figure out why your car smells like vinegar, let us help. Schedule an appointment with our service team at Holiday and we would be happy to assist you in finding and solving the problem. Remember that although odd car smells are oftentimes harmless, you should always look into them for the sake of your safety and health.

Posted in Used Vehicles