{"id":1108791,"date":"2026-03-04T14:37:22","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T14:37:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sercalia.com\/?p=1108791"},"modified":"2026-03-04T14:37:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T14:37:25","slug":"humidity-in-the-car-and-air-conditioning-desiccants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sercalia.com\/en\/humidity-in-the-car-and-air-conditioning-desiccants\/","title":{"rendered":"Moisture in the car and air conditioning desiccants"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Hero” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_color_gradient_direction=”60deg” custom_padding=”||8px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding_tablet=”|||” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding_tablet=”|||” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Open Sans|600|||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”80%” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”21px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”21px|||||” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”36px” header_2_font_size_phone=”22px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Moisture in the car: how desiccants influence air conditioning and vehicle protection<\/h1>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”1270px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sercalia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/humedad-en-el-coche.jpg” alt=”Car mositure absorber bags | Moisture in the car – Sercalia” title_text=”Car mositure absorber bags” url=”https:\/\/sercalia.com\/en\/automotive-desiccant-bags\/” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ width=”73%” max_width=”73%” custom_margin=”10px||20px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ header_font=”|600||on|||||” header_font_size=”16px” header_line_height=”3em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#007FE0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||40px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Moisture in the car<\/b> may seem like a minor issue when it only appears as fogged windows or unpleasant odours. From a technical standpoint, however, its presence directly affects the <\/span>air conditioning system<\/b>, metallic components and interior materials of the vehicle.<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n
Controlling moisture not only improves comfort, but also protects the reliability and service life of the car.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n

Why can moisture in the car cause damage?<\/h2>\n
Moisture can enter the vehicle through temperature changes, leaks, frequent use of the climate control system or prolonged storage.<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n
When it accumulates, it may lead to:<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
Corrosion of metal components,<\/span><\/li>\n
Degradation of plastics and seals,<\/span><\/li>\n
Persistent odours inside the cabin,<\/span><\/li>\n
An increased risk of air conditioning system failures.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For this reason, the automotive industry integrates <\/span>moisture protection systems <\/b><\/a>at both technical and preventive levels.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
The key role of desiccants in air conditioning<\/h2>\n
Within the air conditioning system, moisture is particularly critical. If not properly controlled, it can react with the refrigerant or lubricant, affecting the performance of the compressor and other components.<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n
To prevent this, manufacturers use <\/span>automotive desiccant bags<\/b><\/a> specifically designed for refrigeration systems.<\/span><\/p>\n
These bags:<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
Contain <\/span>high-capacity molecular sieves<\/b>,<\/span><\/li>\n
Are manufactured from durable materials compatible with modern refrigerants,<\/span><\/li>\n
Are integrated into the system\u2019s receiver-drier,<\/span><\/li>\n
Comply with the stringent quality standards of the automotive industry.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Their primary function is to absorb moisture from the refrigerant and lubricant, maintaining safe levels within the closed circuit.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
What types of desiccants are used?<\/h2>\n
Molecular sieve
<\/b><\/h3>\n
This is the most widely used desiccant in internal air conditioning systems.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
High selectivity for water molecules,<\/span><\/li>\n
High adsorption capacity,<\/span><\/li>\n
Compatibility with refrigerants such as R-134a,<\/span><\/li>\n
Long-term stability.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It is essential for maintaining system stability and preventing internal corrosion<\/p>\n
Silica gel
<\/b><\/h3>\n
More commonly used for storage or environmental protection.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
Good absorption capacity,<\/span><\/li>\n
Cost-effective,<\/span><\/li>\n
Safe.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It is not usually employed directly within the pressurised circuit, but may form part of auxiliary solutions.<\/p>\n
Activated clay (bentonite)
<\/b><\/h3>\n
Found in simpler solutions, such as some <\/span>anti-moisture bags<\/b> for the vehicle interior.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
Moderate capacity,<\/span><\/li>\n
Low cost,<\/span><\/li>\n
Use focused more on the cabin than on the technical circuit.\n
<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What do studies indicate about moisture and stability?<\/h2>\n
Laboratory tests and vehicle fleet trials have shown that:<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
The amount of desiccant directly influences moisture levels,<\/span><\/li>\n
Less desiccant results in higher moisture content,<\/span><\/li>\n
However, moderately higher levels do not always cause immediate degradation of the refrigerant or lubricant.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This means that modern systems tolerate small variations more effectively, but the desiccant remains a key component for long-term stability.<\/span>
<\/span>The current trend is not to eliminate moisture entirely, but to keep it within safe limits.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
Visible moisture in the car: the issue perceived by the driver<\/h2>\n
For drivers, <\/span>moisture in the car<\/b> is typically detected through:<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
Unpleasant smells,<\/span><\/li>\n
Fogged windows,<\/span><\/li>\n
A sensation of stale air.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In these situations, the following are commonly used:<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
Products to remove damp odours from the car,<\/span><\/li>\n
Car moisture absorbers,<\/span><\/li>\n
Small reusable anti-moisture bags,<\/span><\/li>\n
Containers with absorbent salts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
While <\/span>these moisture absorbers <\/b>help improve the interior environment, they do not replace the technical function of the desiccant within the air conditioning system.<\/span><\/p>\n
In CKD manufacturing and assembly<\/h4>\n
In CKD (Completely Knocked Down) assembly processes, moisture control is also relevant during the transport and storage of components.<\/span>
<\/span>In such cases, the following are used:<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
Industrial desiccant bags,<\/span><\/li>\n
Moisture protection systems during logistics,<\/span><\/li>\n
Absorbent materials in technical packaging.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
As a result, the risk of corrosion prior to final vehicle assembly is reduced.<\/span><\/p>\n
Moisture in the car<\/b> affects both comfort and the technical durability of the vehicle.<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n
Inside the air conditioning system, molecular sieve desiccant bags play an essential role in maintaining stability and preventing damage, while in the cabin, solutions such as anti-moisture bags complement protection.<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n
The balance between internal technology and preventive maintenance is the most effective strategy for long-lasting moisture protection.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sercalia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/humedad-en-el-coche.jpg” alt=”Car mositure absorber bags | Moisture in the car – Sercalia” title_text=”Car mositure absorber bags” url=”https:\/\/sercalia.com\/en\/automotive-desiccant-bags\/” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ width=”73%” max_width=”73%” custom_margin=”10px||20px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sercalia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/budget_sercalia.jpg” alt=”Solicite su presupuesto en Sercalia” title_text=”sercalia_solicite_presupuesto” url=”https:\/\/sercalia.com\/contacto\/” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”81%” max_width=”78%” custom_margin=”10px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sercalia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/humedad-en-el-coche_sercalia.png” alt=”dampness in the car_sercalia” title_text=”dampness in the car_sercalia” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ width=”73%” max_width=”73%” custom_margin=”10px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sercalia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/repelente-agua.jpg” alt=” Rain repellent for cars – Sercalia” title_text=”Rain repellent for cars with hydrophobic effect” url=”https:\/\/sercalia.com\/en\/car-rain-repellent\/” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ width=”73%” max_width=”73%” custom_margin=”60px||20px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sercalia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/buy_online_conservatis.jpg” alt=”Nano protector. car rain repellent, desiccant, buy online” title_text=”Nano protector. car rain repellent, desiccant, buy online” url=”https:\/\/conservatis.com\/en\/applications\/tecnadis-gwr-rain-repellent-treatment-for-cars” url_new_window=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” align=”center” disabled_on=”on|on|off” width=”81%” max_width=”78%” custom_margin=”10px||20px||false|false”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#858786″ custom_padding=”30px||0px||false|false” global_module=”56900″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|||0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_code admin_label=”ancora” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/a><\/a>[\/et_pb_code][et_pb_blurb title=”Ask for a quote now” content_max_width=”100%” disabled_on=”on|off|off” admin_label=”Blurb” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font_size=”25px” header_line_height=”1.1em” body_font=”Raleway||||||||” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_font_size=”22px” body_line_height=”1.8em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||6px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”|||170px|false|false” custom_margin_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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What types of desiccants are used?<\/h2>\n

Molecular sieve<\/b><\/h3>\nThis is the most widely used desiccant in internal air conditioning systems.<\/span><\/p>\n\nHigh selectivity for water molecules,<\/span><\/li>\nHigh adsorption capacity,<\/span><\/li>\nCompatibility with refrigerants such as R-134a,<\/span><\/li>\n

Silica gel<\/b><\/h3>\nMore commonly used for storage or environmental protection.<\/span><\/p>\n\nGood absorption capacity,<\/span><\/li>\nCost-effective,<\/span><\/li>\n