Car Smells and What the Issue Could Be

Because most vehicles run by using fluids and a hot motor, the likelihood of your car generating smells can be common. However, when it comes to these five aromas, your nose is pre-warning you of trouble to come. It's essential to follow up with our dealership when you smell these odors for a proper diagnosis.

Burned Rubber

In this case, check your vehicle engine's hoses and belts. Are they tight? The smell could mean you have a loose belt or one that is about to break. The scent of burned rubber also can signify leaking oil onto a hot part of the engine. Lastly, an overheated clutch plate can cause the smell.

Gym Clothes

That locker room or sweaty workout clothes smell is typically caused by the air conditioning system. The smell will arrive when turning on the air conditioner or heater. The issue is due to mold or mildew growth in the air conditioning system.

Burned Carpet

This smell is all about your brakes. If you just excessively used your brakes, you may have caused your brake pads or rotors to overheat. Also, the smell can come when your pads don't retract as you release the brake pedal. Be sure to check that the emergency brake isn't on while driving. Lastly, on a vehicle with a manual transmission, the clutch plate may be worn from riding the clutch pedal.

Syrup or Sweetness

Antifreeze has a syrupy smell, which can be pleasant but toxic to inhale. Smelling syrup inside a car means a leak in the cooling system. You will probably notice the smell hitting your nose when the vehicle is on or after you've just turned it off.

Sulfur or Rotten Eggs

This sulfuric or rotten smell, other than being very unpleasant, has to do with your defective catalytic converter. Your catalytic converter is designed to change hydrogen sulfide in your engine's exhaust into sulfur dioxide. You will need to get this check sooner than later.

When your vehicle gives off an unusual odor, it can mean many things; most of which can be costly if not corrected. At our dealership, our nose knows and is fine-tuned to seek out the smell. We will inspect and repair any odd smells. No air freshener needed.