Have you ever started the car’s engine and turned the AC on, only to find a weird car AC gas smell? Well, you are not alone, and unfortunately, this issue is more common than you would have imagined.
So, if you find yourself asking ‘why do I smell gas in my car when the AC is on’, then thank search engine algorithms for landing you at the right place. In this informative blog, we will take a look at some of the most common reasons behind weird smells and ways to get rid of them.
Make sure you read this till the end and find the right fix to get rid of the gas smell from AC vent in your car!
But First, Let’s Understand How Your Car’s AC Works?
Before you find the right way to get rid of that weird smell from air conditioning in car, it is important that you understand how this system works. Well, many different components in your car’s AC system work together to give you that cool breeze.
Basically, these components work together to compress the refrigerant gas and then condense it within the system. The primary components at play here include an accumulator, compressor, evaporator, and condenser.
Then, there are other components, including the lines and feed systems, that pressurise the refrigerant liquid to the right state. This stage is very important for the car aircon service unit to do its job and keep you cool with a cool breeze. The AC unit recirculates the liquid, creating a cycle that ensures a consistent flow of cool air.
Also Read: Why Did Coolant In My Car Turn Brown And Foul-Smelling?
Common Causes Behind Gas Smells Coming From Your Car’s AC Unit
Are you tired of wondering and asking yourself why does my air conditioner smells like gas in my car? Unfortunately, there could be many different factors contributing to this foul smell. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common of these reasons:
1. Fungal and Bacterial Growth
One of the most common reasons behind car AC gas smell can be fungal and bacterial growth. Your car’s AC has an evaporator coil located behind the dashboard, accumulating debris, dust, and dirt over time.
This can be the perfect breeding ground for fungus and bacteria, eventually resulting in a foul smell. This comes as no surprise, considering these tiny microorganisms often contribute to foul smells that stick like dirty socks or rotten eggs. So, they can easily be the culprit behind that gas smell in car.
2. Mildew and Mould Growth
Another common culprit behind bad AC smell in cars is the growth of mildew and mould. The AC unit in your car is the perfect breeding ground for these things since it is warm, dark, and damp.
If you notice any earthy or musty smell coming from the AC, this could be a sign of mould and mildew growth. This car’s AC smells like gas, which becomes even more apparent when you turn the AC unit on.
3. Leaking Fluid
If you are getting a sweet car aircon smell or even the smell of some weird chemical, it could be a sign of leaking fluid in the AC unit. This could be a leak within the AC unit or any other fluid contributing to this weird smell.
In most cases, there could be some damaged component within the AC unit that is the culprit behind the leak. This makes it important that you get regular car air conditioning service, check for these damages, and avoid them.
4. Cigarette Smoke Residue
This is one of the less likely reasons that could be the reason for the bad smell from the aircon in car. No matter if you smoke or not, even exposure to second-hand smoke can leave behind a persistent odour.
This can result in air filter contamination, as cigarette smoke can clog the air filter. Eventually, this will reduce the normal airflow and trap this unwanted odour, leaving you with a gas smell in car when AC is on.
Ways To Get Rid Of AC Smell From Your Car
While there are many different factors that can contribute to a bad car AC gas smell, there are also many ways you can get rid of this smell. So, let’s check out some of these ways to help you get a fresh-smelling car.
1. DIY Cleaning:
Of course, one of the best ways to deal with a bad smell in AC car is DIY cleaning. You can replace the cabin air filter regularly and get rid of any unwanted smell with better air quality. Cleaning the evaporator coil can also help in this matter.
2. Professional Cleaning:
Another effective way to get rid of any unwanted smell from your car’s AC unit is getting it cleaned or car aircon repair from professionals. These experts will evaluate your AC unit, determine faults, and address them properly.
3. Using Odour Eliminators:
Another simple way to get rid of the foul smell from car AC is by using an odour eliminator. You can use air fresheners or baking soda to ensure it absorbs the foul smell and get your car a fresh smell.
4. Getting Ozone Treatments:
If you are still asking yourself why does my car smells like gas when I turn on the AC, then getting an ozone treatment could make all the difference you need. This is a great way to get rid of any mould or mildew growth and eliminate any odour from your car.
Tips To Prevent Future Odour From Your Car’s AC
It is not very difficult to keep your car smelling fresh and prevent any funky smell from car AC in the future. All you need to do is take a couple of preventive measures that include:
1. Air Out the Car:
If you want to ensure that your car does not get that air conditioner bad smell then make sure to air out the car regularly. You need not do much but just open the doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate and reduce moisture buildup.
2. Ensure Regular Cleaning:
Another simple yet effective way to get rid of the weird smell from AC is to ensure regular cleaning. You must clean the car’s interiors regularly to remove any debris, dirt, and allergens and retain the fresh smell in your car.
3. Avoid Drinking and Eating Inside the Car:
Spilling food and drinks in your car’s interiors is the perfect reason to get a car aircon repair. This makes it important that you avoid that at all costs to ensure nothing attracts pests that can contribute to a bad smell in the car.
4. Use a Car Cover:
In case you are not using the car for an extended period of time, covering it can be very helpful. Covering it goes a long way in terms of protecting it from the elements and preventing mildew and mould growth that can contribute to the smell coming from AC.
5. Leverage Professional AC Service:
The final tactic up your sleeve to get rid of car AC gas smell is to finding the best car repair shops and get help from professionals. They will service the AC unit properly to ensure all components work properly and your AC does not smell.
Final Thoughts
Your car’s AC unit can be your lifesaver in the summer months when sitting inside a car becomes almost impossible. This makes it important that you know and understand the causes of why your AC smells like gas in car.
Once you have that understanding, it becomes much easier to take the right measures and ensure your AC vents smell musty and become a problem of the past. So make the most of this information and always keep your car smelling fresh.
Also Read: 12 Best Shock Absorber Brands For Ultimate Comfort