We all know the typical places for mold--the bathroom, the basement, the spot in the closet underneath the roof leak. But in the car? In the air conditioning system? Yes! Unfortunately, it's more common than you think. Due to condensation, humidity, or even a water leak, mold can indeed grow inside a vehicle.
What's more, the A/C system is a perfect breeding ground for the dirty little secret. Moisture can get trapped inside the hoses. The air that is brought from outside by the air conditioner contains mold spores. If those spores settle and remain in hidden warm, moist areas, mold begins to grow without you being able to see it or know about it. Once this happens, the only way to be sure you're rid of the problem is to have your A/C system serviced and cleaned properly. Precision Auto in Germantown, Maryland, can help with that.
Signs that Your Car’s A/C Could be Moldy
If you can't see the mold growing inside your car's air conditioning system, how do you know it's there? The first tell-tale sign is likely to be an unpleasant smell when you turn on the air conditioner. If you detect a musty smell or if your car suddenly stinks like a big wet dog when you try to cool off, you may have a mold issue. Also, if you or your passengers experience breathing difficulties (that were not already present) when you use the air conditioner, it could be a warning sign of mold. Finally, if you get warm or only slightly cool air when you engage the air conditioner, you could have one of several issues. For example, your system may need more refrigerant or your air filter could be clogged. Mold is one of the most common causes of air filter blockages. Mold can be dangerous and none of these symptoms should be ignored.
Effects of a Moldy A/C System in Your Vehicle
In addition to being unpleasant, mold can be costly to your health and your investment. The presence of mold is known to be associated with various health problems, including allergies (runny eyes, coughing, sneezing, and/or skin reactions), cold-like symptoms, breathing difficulties, infections, fatigue, headaches, and continual and/or prolonged drowsiness. As an infested A/C system spreads mold spores throughout the car, occupants breath these in and collect them on their skin potentially leading to serious problems. Furthermore, the spores can collect on the interior surfaces of the vehicle. As temperatures and moisture levels rise, particularly if the car is left sitting awhile, mold can even begin growing on the seats and carpet.
Trust Precision Auto
To avoid both health and property damage, take your car to Precision Auto in Germantown, Maryland, at the first sign that there may be mold growing in the A/C system.
