Strange or rotten smells coming from your car typically mean that there's an issue with the vehicle somewhere. Since these problems may lead to costly repairs it's best to get your vehicle checked right away to avoid causing further damage. Here are five car smells you shouldn't ignore.
Rotten Egg or Sulphur Smell
This unforgettable odor generally means that there's a problem with either your fuel injector or catalytic converter. You may also smell something similar when your vehicle's heater core wears out.
Syrup or Burnt Sugar Smell
If you smell a sweet odor like burnt sugar you probably have a coolant leak from a faulty radiator, a leaky radiator hose or a worn manifold with a bad gasket. The heater core of the vehicle may also emit this kind of smell when it's beginning to wear. If you smell this odor during winter be sure to get your heater core examined quickly. You may be without heat in your car for months if your heater core stops working in cold weather.
Gasoline Smell
A gasoline smell is a very bad sign because it means that there's a gas leak somewhere in the vehicle which could lead to an engine fire. Whether the leak is in the fuel injection hose, the fuel tank or another place, you'll need to get the smell checked out by a repair person quickly.
Hot or Burning Oil Smell
If you smell burning oil right after you change the oil in your vehicle this is normal and the smell should burn off after you run the engine for a while. But if the smell continues or happens out of the blue you may have a leaky seal. Park the car and look underneath to see if the oil is dripping continuously. If so, it's time to take the car to a mechanic.
Strong Exhaust Fume Smell
This smell generally means that there's a problem with the exhaust system in your vehicle. Strong exhaust fumes can make you feel light headed and may even pose deadly risks in small spaces, so if you notice this smell, take your vehicle to a repair person quickly.
Burnt Rubber Smell
The smell of burning rubber usually means that one of the belts or hoses is wearing or resting on the hot engine. Open your hood and give the belts and hoses a check to see if they are secure.
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