Drivers can find an easy solution to common air conditioning smell problems – $1 purchase that takes seconds to install will save $100

AN automotive influencer showed her viewers a quick and easy way to fix an airflow or smell problem in her air conditioning system.

As the influencer said, many air conditioning system repairs can be fixed at home.

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Popular YouTuber Chequan Xiao Qiao (@learncartips), publishes DIY car maintenance tips and reveals characteristics to his nearly two million followers.

In a recent video, she reveals a part that can be fixed at home if your car’s air conditioning isn’t blowing as hard.

It may also help if there is a smell from the air vents when you first turn on the air conditioner.

Fortunately, the part needed to fix it almost always costs less than $20, depending on the make of vehicle.

The first thing she does is open the glove compartment with a hidden flap in the upper right corner.

“Do you see that little switch?” she asked.

“Lift it with your hands and then you can take off this little cover to remove the air conditioning filter.”

She uses a Volkswagen Lavida sedan as an example vehicle and removed the cabin air filter – it’s the first line of defense when outside air is being drawn into the cabin.

The newly conditioned air also passes through the cabin air filter to ensure no debris enters the cabin.

Most manufacturers recommend replacing the filter once a year, but it may be done sooner depending on the humidity and average temperatures in your climate.

If your area is more humid, the cabin air filter may become moldy, creating a bad smell whenever the air conditioner is used – changing the cabin air filter more frequently may resolve this.

And, as the influencer points out, cabin air filters are cheap.

“Get out of the new [filter] we bought it for a dollar and put it inside,” she said.

“Keep numbers and letters facing outward.”

It replaces the filter, seals the cabin air filter holder and closes the glove box.

Expert Advice on Preparing Your Car for Summer

Dustin Piggot, a service manager at a Subaru dealership with years of technical experience, told The US Sun in an exclusive interview what items drivers should have checked before temperatures soared:

1. Perform a multipoint inspection. A paid inspection will ask a technician to check vital systems like your brakes, power steering, and front and rear suspension for leaks or defects. They will also test the condition of the battery and check vital fluid levels and conditions.
2. Refrigeration system. Before things get hot, drivers should have their cooling system inspected for proper coolant levels and condition, evaluate radiator hoses, and check the radiator.
3. Check your air conditioning system. If the freon is low and needs to be charged or parts need to be replaced, it is essential to resolve the problem before the temperature rises.
4. Make sure your tires are suitable for warmer climates. If you live in a climate that requires a dedicated winter tire, switch to all-season or summer tires if possible to extend the life of your winter tire. Winter tires are softer and wear out much more quickly in warmer climates.
5. Observe the depth of the tread. Tires with low tread depth will make it more difficult to stop your car if you need to avoid an accident.
6. Give your car some TLC. Before it gets too hot, Piggott says it’s important to give your car a good cleaning to remove winter grime and grime and treat its paintwork with a nice coat of wax to protect it from harsh UV rays and high heat. Many dealerships like his offer detailing and washing services.

Read more here.

“Many car parts do not need to be replaced in a repair shop,” she told viewers.

“They can be resolved alone.”

To find the exact location of the cabin air filter, consult your owner’s manual before breaking into the glove box.

In the video, she stated that fixing air conditioning problems can cost around $800 — and depending on the exact problem, like a broken condenser in a luxury car, it could actually cost that much.

Replacing your cabin air filter can help improve air flow and quality, so it’s a great place to start when you have air conditioning problems.