As spring approaches it is that time of year again. The time to provide spring maintenance and test your vehicle’s air conditioner and assure it works properly before summer arrives. Unfortunately, sometimes turning on the air conditioner results in unpleasant odors that are not simply stale air. It is not normal to experience bad odors when you turn on the AC, and it may indicate a problem requiring professional auto AC repair in Lewisville, TX. There are several potential causes of odors when you turn on the AC. Some, such as the cabin filter, you can resolve without a mechanic in Lewisville, TX. When you need the auto AC services of a reliable automotive professional, Fifth Gear Automotive trained and certified auto technicians can provide the auto AC repair in Lewisville, TX that you require.
Odors and the Source
There are a number of unusual odors you may notice in your car, including the following:
Mold and Bacteria
As a vehicle ages, it is not unusual for bacteria, mold, fungi, and other microorganisms to grow on the evaporator coil, causing an unpleasant odor when you turn on the air conditioner. Cleaning it yourself is usually ineffective, and in order to ensure the cause is eliminated, contact us to schedule auto AC repair in Lewisville, TX for your car.
A clogged drain tube is a common cause of a musty odor when the air conditioner is on. It allows water to accumulate and biological growth to occur. You have probably noticed liquid beneath your car after it has been parked during the summer. This is water dripping from the drain tube and it is a result of the air conditioning process. Its absence after using the air conditioner may indicate a clogged drain tube. Cleaning the tube and other components that can be affected may be difficult, and is best left to a professional. Fifth Gear Automotive mechanics can take care of the problem causing your air conditioning odor with reliable auto AC repair in Lewisville, TX.
Professional Cleaning
Professional cleaning is typically effective in removing most air conditioning odors related to a contaminated coil. Our mechanics can provide the comprehensive cleaning or other auto AC repair in Lewisville, TX that your vehicle needs. However, there are potentially other causes for odors in your car. Read on to understand other causes of bad odors in your car.
Dirty Cabin Air Filters
Though it was once uncommon, today’s cars often have cabin air filters. The filter collects dust and other contaminates, and filters the air circulating inside the passenger compartment. Depending on the type of filter, and most are disposable, the filter will require periodic cleaning and/or changing. Not doing so can result in unpleasant odors each time you use the air conditioner. Most cabin filters are located under the dash, and may be difficult to reach. A Fifth Gear automotive technician can change it for you when you schedule auto AC repair in Lewisville, TX. In addition, smokers should change the cabin filter more frequently to help reduce the tobacco odor.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze has a distinct odor, and if you are able to smell it in the passenger cabin, it is likely your vehicle has a coolant leak, potentially the heater core behind the dash. However, a coolant leak can also be located in a hose, water pump or the radiator. Other potential signs of a leaking heater core include a foggy windshield, and damp or wet carpet on the front passenger side. The antifreeze water mixture that controls the engines temperature circulates through the heater core, and provides heat inside the passenger compartment.
In addition, if your vehicle has a coolant leak overheating is a potential issue. If turn on the air conditioner and it will not cool, check the coolant level. Many AC systems will shut down when coolant is low or the vehicle overheats. Fifth Gear professionals can provide the automotive repairs you need, including auto AC repair in Lewisville, TX from our trained experts.
Gas Leak
If you smell gas, your car may have a gas leak. Repair of a gas leak is essential to ensure your safety before a fire can occur.
Exhaust Leak
If you smell exhaust check the exhaust pipes and muffler for holes. An exhaust leak can reach inside the passenger compartment and render all occupants unconscious. If you smell exhaust lower the windows to allow fresh air in and take it to a garage for repair, or have it towed in. Exhaust contains deadly carbon monoxide, do not delay repair, schedule service or bring your car in to Fifth Gear today for professional repairs you can rely on.
Cigarette Smoke
The odor of cigarette smoke is difficult to remove from your car’s interior. It permeates everything, including the AC vents. You can remove the majority of the odor by changing the cabin filter, shampooing the carpet, the upholstery and the headliner.
Tips
To prevent mold and bacteria from developing in the evaporator coil, turn off the air conditioning 2 – 5 minutes before you shut off your car. Once you turn off the AC, leave the fan blowing to help dry the affected components out. Rather than wait in the car, turn the AC off at least 2 minutes from home. If you suspect your vehicle’s coil is need of a professional cleaning, our certified professionals can provide the auto AC repair in Lewisville, TX that you need.
In addition, a functional air conditioning compressor is essential for the vehicle’s windshield defroster to work. When you experience a lack of cooling and a defroster that is inefficient, contact us to schedule an auto AC repair in Lewisville, TX.
Fifth Gear Automotive offers highly trained certified mechanics for reliable auto AC repair in Lewisville, TX. Our professionals provide a wide range of automotive repair and maintenance services with the expertise you expect and trust. If you are experiencing an odor in your car, give us a call to schedule an appointment today.
