Now that it’s spring time in Denver you’re likely using your car’s air conditioning more often on the average day. When you turn on the A/C, are you overwhelmed by a foul smell - similar to dirty socks? This is a common situation in most vehicles, there’s no need to feel self conscious. The odors invading your car are due to fungus, mold and/or bacteria growing in your car’s A/C system. Mold and bacteria thrive in dark and damp spaces, making your A/C system a prime target. Don’t despair! There are a few things you can do to control or eliminate these odors:
- Always turn off the A/C about two to five minutes before shutting down your engine. Leave the fan blowing, but switch the A/C off. This helps dry out some of the moisture that collects in the system and will help avoid mold and bacteria in the first place.
- When using your A/C system, make sure the “re-circulate” air button is occasionally switched off. Using re-circulated air helps cool your car faster, but keeping in on constantly will cause moisture to collect in the system.
- Try spraying Lysol (or any other anti-bacterial spray) into the vents between the hood and the windshield. With your car running, switch the A/C on full blast and be sure to switch off the “re-circulate” air button. Do this for approximately ten minutes, spraying for 10-20 seconds and then waiting a minute or so.
If all else fails, please come see us at Addison Auto Repair and Body Shop. Through May we’re offering a FREE A/C system health check on your vehicle. So whether your car is in need of a cabin air filter change, or your A/C isn’t running cool, we’re here to help!
