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Why does my car smell like vinegar?
There seems to be a weird vinegar smell that becomes extra strong when I turn on my car’s air conditioning. Should I be concerned? Why does my car smell like vinegar all of a sudden?
Melanie Mergen · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Unless you spilled vinegar in your car recently, one of the most common reasons a car smells like vinegar is because of the buildup of
mold
or mildew in the air conditioning system. The moisture that can accumulate and linger in the air conditioning system makes it common for this kind of problem to develop over time. There are disinfectant sprays designed to fight mold and mildew that you can buy, or, you can mix together a spray at home yourself by combining one part vinegar with three parts water—and some added lemon juice to balance out that vinegar smell.
If you’re using a spray, turn your AC on full blast, then apply the spray to all vents, including the re-circulation vent, and the AC intake lines.
A mechanic can also help you inspect your air conditioning system to source the problem and make any required changes, like replacing the air filter.
Hopefully, it ends up being an easy fix! As you continue looking after your car, make sure it’s protected by the right
car insurance
policy. The Jerry
app can help you make quick work of that!All you have to do is enter your information to start comparing personalized quotes from top insurance providers, all in one spot. From there, you can pick the best coverage option for you at the right price.
Getting started takes less than a minute, and the average Jerry user saves $887 per year on car insurance.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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