Posted on 4/30/2026
It is one of the most unpleasant surprises your car can throw at you: a smell that reminds you of old gym socks, a damp towel, or something that has been sitting wet for far too long. At our shop, we hear this complaint all the time, especially when temperatures start rising and people begin using their air conditioning more regularly. The good news is that this smell is common. The bad news is that it usually means moisture and contamination have built up somewhere in the HVAC system, and it is not something that usually goes away on its own. If your car smells fine until you turn on the air, that is an important clue. It tells us the problem is likely tied to the ventilation or air conditioning system, not just a forgotten gym bag hiding under the seat. And yes, while the smell may be common, that does not mean you should keep putting up with it. Why That Smell Happens In The First Place Your vehicle’s air conditioning system naturally creates condensation ... read more