As car owners, we take it as a responsibility to make sure that are car is kept as clean as possible. The car should be dust free, washed and wax. Not only are we particular about the car’s exterior but also its interior as well. Seat covers should be clean and the floor carpets should be free of any dirt and grime. Aside from that, we also try to make sure our car smells fresh and clean from the inside, which is why we make use of car fresheners, most often placed in front of the car’s A/C. However, despite exercising the proper car maintenance, our car may still end up releasing unwanted musty emissions inside, particularly from the A/C Vents. It is normal for old cars to encounter this type of problem due to increased wear and tear and mileage. However, if the car you’re driving is still pretty new, Ask.cars.com has listed a number of reasons as to what could be causing this and at the same time, what to look inside the hood of your car to resolve this.

One of the many causes of this musty emission could be due to a clogged drain caused by excessive condensation trapped in it. Another reason to consider is there could be an object stuck or lodge near the HVAC air intake. The HVAC air intake is located near the passenger-side cowl. To fix this, try to check your car for any debris near that area like twigs, mud, leaves, or God forbid a dead animal. One of the parts that could also be causing this nasty odor could be the cabin air filter. Not all cars are equipped with one and for those that have one, the cabin air filter may have been installed in an area where dirt can easily come in. If your able to determine that your car has one, check it for any type of debris (again, hopefully no dead animals are lurking there). The primary function of this car part is to filter the air entering your car after it passes through the HVAC system.

If all else fails, the only option you have left is to take your car to the dealership. It may not be a pleasant experience to do but when all options have been exhausted, it’s best to seek professional assistance. In the long run, it can save you the hassle of going through the insides of your car and the hassle of cleaning yourself up afterwards.

Sources:kickingtires.com, Ask.cars.com