A car’s AC accumulates bacteria when the air that travels into the car through the air conditioner’s evaporator and vents carries mold and bacterial particles.

When you’re inside the car with the AC on and the windows closed, you’ll be inhaling the air that blows out of the air conditioner vents.

This means you’ll also inhale the bacteria through the air, which can cause several health issues such as minor headaches to more serious allergic reactions.

Here are other health issues caused by bacteria in your car’s air conditioning system:

Headache

Experiencing headaches while inside your car, may be caused by a lack of clean air and breathing in the dirty air can also cause fatigue, drowsiness, leading to increased blood pressure.

Stuffy nose

When you find that your nose gets easily blocked, dry or stuffy while traveling in your car, it is a sign that your air conditioner is not circulating clean air.

Allergic reactions

In people who are extremely allergic to mold, sneezing and coughing are common health issues, caused by mold in your air conditioning unit.

Bacterial infections

Symptoms of infections include dry or itchy skin, fever, cough, and other more serious respiratory problems such as pneumonia.

Avoid bacteria in your car AC

Since your car air conditioning unit is always exposed to dust, dirt and moisture, it’s normal for bacteria to multiply inside it.

However, here are some methods to get rid of the common causes of bacteria and molds.

Antibacterial spray

Use an anti-bacterial killing spray to temporarily get rid of bacteria inside your car and leave it for around 30 to 60 minutes before you use the car.

Clean the vents

Use a clean cloth and soak it with vinegar, then wipe your air conditioner vents to remove any dirt and bacteria.

Clean the air filter

Having your air filter cleaned or replaced is a great way to remove the mold and any other sources of bacteria in your car air conditioning.

-Mercedes-Works-Service Serv