The problem usually lies in the evaporator of your air conditioning. Condensation forms there due to the cooling process. This moisture, combined with dust, pollen, and other organic residues, creates the perfect breeding ground for unwanted guests: bacteria, fungi, and mold. These tiny intruders happily multiply and blow their spores directly into your interior. No wonder the air then becomes a problem! HUK-Coburg warns: In the worst case, it smells like mold, urine, ammonia, or rotten eggs.
The Invisible Danger to Your Lungs
It sounds dramatic, but it's true: If you ignore these smells, you are constantly inhaling pollutants. This can lead to respiratory irritation, nasty allergies, or even infections. Alarming: Studies show that the air in every third car is concerning or even heavily polluted. It's like a small, musty health trap on wheels.
What You Can Do IMMEDIATELY (and What the Professionals Advise)
To protect your health and get rid of the stench, quick action is required. TÜV urgently advises an annual maintenance of your air conditioning. This includes the regular replacement of the cabin filter – at least once a year or every 15,000 to 30,000 kilometers.
The most effective method to really eliminate the bad smell is a professional cleaning of the evaporator in the workshop. Special procedures such as foam or ultrasonic cleaning are used here to combat the germs where they originate. Warning: Stay away from the cheap do-it-yourself sprays from the store! ADAC warns that these usually only cover the smell temporarily but do not eliminate the actual cause – the bacterial colony.
How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Fresh Longer
You can do a lot yourself to prevent odor formation. Run your air conditioning regularly, even in winter! This flushes the system and reduces the moisture that fungi love. A clever trick: Turn off the air conditioning shortly before the end of the drive, but let the fan continue to run. This allows the evaporator to dry and no longer provides a breeding ground for germs. Regular cleaning of the air vents with a damp cloth and replacing the pollen filter also contribute to hygiene. This is recommended by Allianz Direct Insurance.
When a Trip to the Workshop is Unavoidable
If you still notice a persistent, unpleasant smell despite all care, there is no way around a professional cleaning. Especially if you are allergic or have allergic passengers, a thorough disinfection of the evaporator in the workshop is absolutely necessary. The costs for such maintenance usually range between 20 and 100 euros, with replacement parts and special refrigerant possibly adding to the cost. But let's be honest: Isn't your health worth every cent?
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.