Hello Mabs
My car looks clean, but when I switch on the aircon, it smells damp and musty. It’s embarrassing when I have passengers. Does it need more gas, or am I cleaning the wrong things?
Mabs answers:
A clean car can still have a smelly aircon, so don’t blame your housekeeping! A musty smell can come from moisture and a build-up of dirt or mould inside the ventilation system. The filter that cleans air entering the cabin may also need attention.
Adding aircon gas is not automatically the answer to a smell.
Book a check with a workshop or car aircon specialist. Tell them when the smell appears and whether the air still gets properly cold. Ask them to check the filter, drainage and system before recommending work.
An air freshener may cover the smell for a while, but finding its source will be more useful.
