Tesla, the pioneering electric car manufacturer, is renowned for its cutting-edge technology and commitment to revolutionizing the automotive industry. Yet, a weird concern baffling Tesla owner is the distinctive smell that sometimes comes from the air conditioning systems.
Quick View:
- Possible causes of the Tesla air conditioning smell? Mold and bacteria growth, dust and debris accumulation, low-quality filters.
- Solutions can eliminate the unpleasant smells? Regular maintenance, cleaning procedures, high-quality cabin air filters, air purifiers.
- How can future odor issues be prevented? Maintenance best practices, proper ventilation techniques.
Understanding the Tesla Air Conditioning System
Here’s the deal with the Tesla car’s air conditioning (A/C). It works just like a regular car but with a few added exceptions.
Electric Motor
Tesla uses a similar compressor/refrigerant-based system like other cars (and in your house). But instead of using a belt driven by the motor, it has its own electric motor. The motor gets power from the battery. This means the A/C can do its thing even when other systems are off.
Camping Mode
The car has a “camping mode” where you can control the temperature inside for up to 48 hours. This is especially helpful if you’re sleeping in it.
Plus, you can use an app to pre-condition the car before you hop in (other cars can do this too, but they have to start up). Moreover, it even has automatic modes like overheat protection.
Automatic Start
If the temperature inside the car goes above 105°F, the A/C kicks in automatically. This is super useful if you leave your car baking under the sun or if you accidentally leave a pet or child inside. Safety first, folks!
You can also program the car to keep a comfortable temperature while it’s parked. Just make sure there’s a visible indication that the A/C is on.
Unique Vent Design
It is especially a unique feature of the Model 3. It has a unique front vent design.
Instead of the usual vent, two long vents stretch across the dashboard and intersect each other. You can adjust the airflow from these vents using electronic controls.
This means you can direct a gentle stream of air almost anywhere you want. Trust me, it’s way cooler (pun intended) than the A/C in regular cars!
It keeps the cabin nice and cool without any annoying drafts or excessive chilliness. It’s definitely one of the standout features of the Model 3.
Common Types of Smells in Tesla Air Conditioning
A lot of Tesla owners have had to combat the issue of AC vent smell. The types of these smells and what they imply are discussed below:
Rotten Egg Smell
Users of Model 3 and Model Y complain mostly about the Tesla giving off a strong odor of rotten eggs. if your car starts to smell like rotten eggs, that’s hydrogen sulfide. Take your car to a service center immediately.
You may need a change of the filters as well. The most popular replacement is with HEPA filters.
Sour Mold Smell
It is a common issue with the Model 3. It occurs due to moisture buildup that boosts bacterial or moldy growth.
Some folks say that if you crank up the heat to the max and blast the fan for about 20 minutes, it can fix this annoying problem.
But then again, others had to take their car in for service to get the system cleaned. The only bummer is that the issue seems to come back after a while.
Sweet Solvent/Chemical Smell
It is the smell of anti-freeze. Ethylene and propylene glycol, the main components of antifreeze, are odorless.
Yet, the presence of additives in real-world antifreeze can cause it to emit a distinct smell. It almost has sweet notes. There is at least one service bulletin regarding coolant leaks which applies to 2018.
Tesla Air Conditioning Smell – Causes of Unpleasant Odors
Unpleasant odors in Tesla air conditioning systems can have a variety of causes. But a few typical ones are as follows:
- Growth of mold or mildew: The musty odor can be caused by the growth of mold or mildew in the vents. It is caused due to the moisture buildup in the air conditioning system.
- Dirt or debris buildup: Dust, dirt, or other particles accumulated in the air filters or evaporator coil may cause these odors. Rain creates mold/mildew with this dirt and debris.
- Condensate drain clog: If the condensate drain is clogged, water can build up and serve as a breeding ground for germs. These conditions produce unpleasant odors.
- Contaminated cabin air filter: When the air conditioning is turned on, a filthy or contaminated cabin air filter may discharge unpleasant scents.
Read More: Tesla Air Filter Replacement Cost: Everything You Need to Know
How to Eliminate Tesla Air Conditioning Smells
Here’s how to eliminate the bad smell in Tesla coming from the AC:
Run the Heat
Run the heat in your Tesla for about 4 hours. There’s a possibility that it would completely dry out the coils, kill the bacteria, and eliminate the smell.
Put the temperature on the highest setting, set the fan halfway (on manual), open the windows, and put the car in “keep” mode.
Tesla service centers also reported many of their customers doing the same thing. They suggest doing it while plugged in (if possible). One can also do it overnight using the schedule feature.
Replacing Filters or Spray Cleaning
Using the Tesla mobile app for customers, you can have Tesla change their filters and clean the coils. It costs $140 and includes 30 minutes of work as well as a single-use can of spray foam.
The technician applies it to the coils and leaves it in place for at least 10 minutes. After the foam has evaporated, an anti-microbial layer is left behind.
Controlling Moisture
To keep the frunk from getting too wet during rainy driving, install foam molding. It helps stop debris from entering the frunk intake.
The moisture that naturally builds up, especially if you live in a warm climate where cabin overheat is frequently on, doesn’t really drain.
You should employ air recirculation coupled with cabin overheat AC protection. Due to the mildew growth, the Tesla will begin to smell like someone just finished a marathon and took off their shoes.
Read Also: Why Is the Tesla Passenger Airbag Off? (Solutions Added)
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Does the Tesla AC performance get affected while its parked?
Being stopped doesn’t make much difference. It just means there’s less air flowing over the condenser to cool down the compressed refrigerant. But a fan does its job of pulling air through it.
Can I use air fresheners in my Tesla to mask the AC smell?
Yes, but it’s a temporary solution of a withstanding problem. It’s essential to address the root cause of the odor rather than masking it.
Can I clean the Tesla’s AC system myself to remove the smell?
No. It’s generally recommended to have a professional technician handle this to avoid causing damage to the system or voiding your warranty.
Does Tesla offer any warranty coverage for AC odor issues?
No, Tesla’s warranty might cover HVAC-related issues.
