Car Smells and What the Issue Could Be

You might notice strange odors in your car that you can't precisely explain. Odors such as rotten eggs or gym clothes can be very unpleasant. Blow, we provide insight into different car smells and what they mean for your car's health.

Burned Rubber

A gasket problem can be the result of this smell. The gasket contains the air-fuel mixture that is necessary for the cylinders to ignite. Additionally, it also contains the engine oil. If your engine is running and the gasket fails, the oil can spill on the engine's hot surface, causing the burned rubber smell.

Burned Carpet

You are likely to get this smell if you have been using the brakes extensively, say if you are going down a steep slope. The smell points that the rotors or brake pads are overheating. It is advisable to have the brakes checked as soon as possible. However, if you just had your brake pads replaced, this smell is normal for a short period.

Gym Clothes

The gym clothes or locker room smell will usually appear when using the A/C or heater. This issue is due to moisture condensing inside the A/C evaporator, making an environment for mold or mildew to grow. Mildew can build up on this moist surface, causing the terrible smell. To mitigate the moisture build-up and odor, turn on your fan on high to dry out the system.

Syrup

This smell is very pleasant. However, it is indicating that your engine coolant is leaking. The coolant contains ethylene-glycol hence the pleasant smell. Be warned, however, ethylene-glycol is highly toxic. It is not advisable to continue driving if your coolant is leaking instead of having the car towed and seek professional service immediately.

Sulfur or Rotten Eggs

Traces of sulfur in the gasoline causes this sulfuric or rotten smell. The traces are due to the catalytic converter failing to convert the sulfur into odorless sulfur dioxide. In the case of a failed catalytic converter, immediate service is required to save you from costly repairs.

At Midway Chevrolet, we take care of your car like our own. Pass by our dealership in Phoenix, AZ for top-notch car services.