Is your car making you ill? Mouldy air con systems risking health problems as UK heats up
As the weather heats up, your car's air con becomes the perfect environment for dangerous bacteria to grow - but there's one simple way to tell if you've got a problem
YOUR car's air con could be making you sick as the British weather starts to heat up.
Drivers could be exposed to a number of bacteria if their air conditioning systems aren't cleaned properly, which can cause nasty allergic reactions.
Warmer weather creates the perfect environment for microorganisms to thrive inside your air con's evaporator system - especially after a winter of not being used.
If mould begins to grow, the air con will then circulate the bacteria around the car and cause illness or breathing problems.
And drivers will usually be able to tell if they have a problem by the mouldy smell coming from the air vents.
If you suspect your motor is home to the dangerous bacteria, you can take your car in for a simple anti-bacterial clean with your mechanic.
To avoid build-up in the first place, you should regularly clean and vacuum the inside of your car.
Martin Baber, an export at Halfords Autocentres, said: “Dirt and bacteria can build up in your car’s air con system and can cause that distinctive unpleasant odour.
"The air con system can also be a breeding ground for other microorganisms which can cause allergic reactions.
"It can be easily solved by taking your car in for an antibacterial air conditioning clean which is designed to remove bacteria that has built up over time.
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"It's a 'deep clean' that removes 99% of built-up bacteria from the air con system and vents.
"We also recommend changing your car’s pollen filter regularly to keep your car free from irritants.”
For drivers that are worried they may be breathing in dangerous bacteria, Halfords offers a full anti-bacterial clean for just £20.