Car Smells and What the Issue Could Be

While some car smells are ordinary and benign, others can be a sign that something is wrong with your car. There are a variety of smells associated with car problems. Becoming familiar with some of the most frequent odds smells gives you a better understanding of your car and warning signs that there may be a more major mechanical problem, such as an issue with the catalytic converter or the engine. From coolant fluid leaks to moldy air conditioning units, these smells can tell you a lot about your car's health.

Burned Rubber

A burning rubber smell can start from many different places, including the brakes and the engine. The brakes may start to produce a burning rubber odor if they get worn out. The brake pads may wear out, which makes the metal parts on the brakes hit each other and generate heat, which creates a burning smell. If your car leaks oil, the oil can create a burning rubber smell when droplets of oil hit the exhaust pipe.

Gym Clothes

If you notice the stench of gym clothes in the cabin when you turn on the air conditioning system, there may be mold or bacterial growth. The a/c compressor can get covered with mold or mildew if there's excess moisture in the a/c system. If you catch the problem early enough, you can sometimes clear out the air by running the fan in the air conditioning system, but don't use the air conditioning system itself. This allows fresh air to circulate and dries out the unit.

Burned Carpet

The smell of burned carpet can also point to a problem with the brakes. This smell may also start when the brake pads get worn out and cause the braking system's metallic parts to hit each other. The smell may also be produced by a more temporary situation, such as if you've just used the brakes heavily while driving down a steep hill.

Syrup

The smell of syrup may suggest a leak in the coolant fluid reservoir. The coolant fluid can leak from a few components, including the radiator and a cylinder head. If this is the case, you'll need to have the broken component fixed and have a mechanic add sufficient amounts of coolant fluid to protect the engine.

Sulfur or Rotten Eggs

A similar smell to rotten eggs can indicate an issue with the engine or the catalytic converter. The engine can make this smell if it's not running properly. The catalytic converter can cause the smell if it does not adequately process hydrogen sulfide in the exhaust pipe.

If your car is producing these unusual smells, contact us for an appointment today.