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Air conditioning not cooling or smelling bad

The most common cause of poor cooling is too little refrigerant in the system — it escapes naturally over time or through a leak. An unpleasant smell is usually a dirty cabin filter and evaporator.

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Most common variants and causes

Weak cooling or blows warm

Safe to drive
  • Low refrigerant (normal loss)
  • Leak in the system
  • Compressor or its clutch

Not urgent, but don’t put it off — book a visit at a convenient time.

First step: AC refill and vacuum check — from 199 złAir conditioning →Book a diagnosis →

Bad smell from the vents

Safe to drive
  • Old cabin filter
  • Bacteria and mould on the evaporator
  • Blocked condensate drain

Not urgent, but don’t put it off — book a visit at a convenient time.

First step: Cabin filter replacement — from 40 złAir conditioning →Book a diagnosis →

What you can check yourself

  1. Check whether you can hear the compressor engage when you switch on the AC.
  2. Notice whether the air is cold only briefly or not at all.
  3. Think back to when the cabin filter was last replaced.
  4. In summer, water may drip under the car after switching off the engine — that’s normal condensation.

How we check it in the workshop

We check for leaks and pressures, recover the refrigerant, refill it to the manufacturer’s specified amount and check the vent temperature. For smells we replace the cabin filter and disinfect the system.

This is guidance only, not a diagnosis. We’ll find the exact cause at our workshop in Bielany — you approve the quote before any work starts.

Frequently asked questions

How often should the AC be serviced?

Ideally once a year, before the season — in spring. Regular servicing extends the compressor’s life.

Is a regas alone enough?

If refrigerant is lost quickly, there’s a leak. Then we look for the leak first, otherwise the problem will be back in a few weeks.

What refrigerant does my car use?

Older cars usually R134a, newer ones R1234yf. We’ll check the sticker under the bonnet or by VIN.

Other symptoms

Check engine light is onKnocking over bumpsCar pulls / steering off-centreBrake problemCar won’t startRattling from the engineExhaust smoke / loss of powerJerky gearbox or clutchEngine is overheatingPuddle under the car / leakCar jerks when accelerating
Not sure? Take the symptom test (2 clicks)