Why Does My Car’s A/C Smell Weird?

If you’re a resident of Arizona, you understand how unforgiving the summer here can be. As temperatures begin to rise, having functioning, ice-cold air conditioning in your vehicle can make or break your daily commute. If your car suddenly starts emitting strange odors through your air conditioner from inside or outside your vehicle. It’s important to get your vehicle inspected right away!

Your vehicle’s air conditioning is made of multiple components working together to cool the air coming through the vents. With excessive use, or simply wear and tear over time, A/C parts will wear over time and eventually fail.

If you notice an “off” odor when the A/C is on, it might be due to moisture buildup or bacterial growth in the evaporator. A professional cleaning may be necessary to clear out the system. Unusual noises, like rattling or hissing, can indicate issues ranging from a loose belt to refrigerant leaks. These shouldn’t be ignored, as early detection can save you from a more expensive repair down the road.

Different Problems Emit Different smells from the A/C

Don’t ignore unusual smells. If your A/C is emitting any of these smells, it’s important to have your A/C inspected to prevent further damage.

Your A/C Smells like Mildew

Mildew smells in your vehicle’s A/C are common in older systems and usually occur when moisture and bacteria accumulate, especially in the evaporator housing, and as the condensation drips off your car’s evaporator, it typically drains out of the evaporator housing through a special tube under your car. 

Your A/C Smells like Gasoline 

When your A/C smells like gasoline, this is usually a sure sign your vehicle has a gas leak. This could also be from the fuel injector line or the fuel tank. 

Your A/C Smells like Vinegar or Sweaty Socks 

If the foul smell of vinegar or sweaty socks is emitting from your A/C, it could be a little hard to pinpoint the real problem. Certain types of mold build-up can cause your car’s air conditioning to smell like vinegar or sweaty socks. If you notice this smell, it’s best to have your A/C system professionally inspected and cleaned to neutralize any unwanted contamination.

Your A/C Smells Like Burning Rubber, Plastic, or Oil

Burning smells coming from your A/C are never a good sign. It’s Important to understand the types so you can react appropriately depending on the specific odor. Here are the most common burning smells that could be coming through your A/C.

Burning Rubber

The burning rubber smell could be a problem with your A/C compressor, clutch, or a misaligned pulley. Either of these problems can cause the belt to drag and create unwanted friction, leading to that burnt rubber odor. 

Burning Plastic

Burning plastic smells are often related to electrical issues, such as a short circuit or overheated wires in your A/C system. This could be a very dangerous fire hazard

Burning Oil

The smell of burning oil typically means there is oil leaking onto hot engine components. This could be from a failed seal near the A/C compressor or the other engine components. 

Your A/C Smells Sweet or Maple-like 

When an A/C system emits a sweet smell, it usually indicates an antifreeze leak in your car’s air conditioning system. The main component in antifreeze, ethylene glycol, is responsible for lowering the liquid’s freezing temperature. It is also the same component that gives antifreeze a sweet scent, sometimes even maple-scented.

If you smell something sweet in your car’s air conditioning, it’s important to have your vehicle brought in immediately for a complete vehicle inspection  

Annual A/C Inspections 

Preventive maintenance is the answer to avoiding unexpected breakdowns. An annual A/C system inspection at your local auto repair shop can uncover small problems before they become big problems. A technician will inspect system pressure, test for leaks, examine the compressor and belts, and ensure the refrigerant is at the correct level. This simple check-up can extend the life of your A/C system and potentially save you from expensive repairs down the road.

A/C Service in Tuscon, AZ 

If you suspect an issue with your vehicle’s air conditioning system, or simply want to have it inspected to ensure it’s up to the summer heat, don’t hesitate to visit us! Borst Automotive in Tucson, Mesa, and Phoenix has extensive experience in servicing the A/C systems on many makes and models. Give us a call or schedule online today!