aren't cheap, so you want to make sure that your car not only runs properly but that it looks and smells good at all times. There are different ways for bad odors to produce in your car. A common one is a car AC smells like vinegar.

This may seem like an odd situation, but it occurs more frequently than you might think, and thankfully

there's an easy way to get rid of the odor

. Read on to find out how.

If you’ve noticed your car AC smells like vinegar, there’s something you can do.

Why your car AC smells like vinegar

Infiniti Camelback

helps us understand why your car AC smells like vinegar–and it's not because someone spilled vinegar in it. In fact, the odor isn't caused by vinegar at all. If the scent lingers after you turn off the air conditioner, that is a sign that there is probably an issue with your AC.

If the vinegar smell goes away after the air conditioner is turned off, you can likely pinpoint the cause to mold that has formed in the vents in the cabin. The mold, or mildew, can be caused by dust or leaves that accumulate in the air vents during the year.

How to get rid of the odor if your car AC smells like vinegar

If mold or mildew is the cause of the smell, there are

simple DIY methods

for you to get rid of the vinegar smell. If you replace your car's air filter, it can resolve the issue immediately.

Another option is to use a cleaning product created for air conditioners, which has enzymes that can eliminate the odor almost immediately, and possibly prevent it from returning.

If the vinegar smell is caused by a problem with your air conditioner, then you should take your car to a mechanic to have it fixed. The mechanic can help pinpoint the cause of the odor and will be able to fix the problem if you're unsure how to do it or if you aren't confident in doing it yourself.

How can you prevent odors in your vehicle?

MORE: Tried and True Ways to Get Rid of Pet Odor in Your Car

While you might be to get rid of an odor in your car yourself, it might be better to try to prevent smells from entering your vehicle in the first place.

Doing regular maintenance on your car is the best way to keep it smelling fresh and prevent odors from forming in your car. A simple replacement of the air filter can prevent your AC from smelling like vinegar or worse.

Keeping the interior of your car clean

and free of messes can also help keep your cabin smelling the way you want it to. If you eat or drink in your car, make sure to take out any food you drop or clean any spills you cause to keep them from lingering and causing odors.

You can take simple steps like that to make sure your car keeps smelling fresh.

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It's an easy fix if your car AC smells like vinegar, but it's not so easy to find good car insurance for a low price. If you need help with that,

Jerry

is your best option.

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