The Smell From Your A/C Could Tell You A Lot

Why Does Your Car’s Air Conditioner Smell Bad?

It takes most of our available senses to take care of an automobile. Your sense of smell can actually diagnose a lot of problems if you know what to sniff for. If you’re wondering why a bad smell comes from your vehicle’s air conditioner, our team has put together a list of the most common reasons. Don’t let your summer road trip be ruined by riding around in a smelly car especially if it can be avoided. Let’s take a look at what our team found.

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Why Does Your Car Smell Musty?

Your car’s air conditioner works by removing moisture from the air drawn into the system and circulating it before blowing it into the passenger cabin. That moisture has to go somewhere. Most of the time, it harmlessly drains away, often leaving puddles on the ground. However, if there is a clog in the drain tube or some blockage in the vents, that water will pool, eventually causing mould and mildew to grow. 

Some mould cases can be cleaned up with commercially available kits. However, more severe cases will likely need the kind of professional services offered by our technicians.

What Smells Sweet When Your AC is On?

Another common smell that could be a cause for concern is a sweet one. If you smell something that strikes you as particularly sweet, an antifreeze leak could be the problem. Losing coolant could be a catastrophic problem, leading to very expensive repair bills. A suspected coolant leak needs to be addressed professionally as soon as possible.

What’s the Burning Smell In Your Car?

In general, anytime you notice a burning smell when your automobile is running, it’s a bad sign. If you can determine the kind of thing you’re smelling, it could help narrow down the problem. A burning rubber smell could mean a problem with some of the mechanical A/C components. Burning plastic could be a problem with wires or hoses. If you notice any of these smells, make an appointment with our service department immediately. 

The Downtown Tyee Chevrolet Service Department is equipped with the technology and knowledge needed to keep your car, truck or SUV running in the best possible condition. Schedule your service appointment with our team of experts today.