Types of Unusual Vehicle Smells

If you want to keep your car performing optimally, you need to pay attention to the kind of smell it is producing. Some smells should tell you that something is wrong, and therefore, when you notice that your car is producing a peculiar smell, you should not ignore it. Below is a rundown of some unusual vehicle smells and what they mean.

Rotten Eggs

The smell of rotten eggs indicates that there is an issue with the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is responsible for converting the hydrogen sulfide in the exhaust into sulfur dioxide. Therefore, when it is not working properly, hydrogen sulfide will not be converted into hydrogen dioxide, and hence the smell of rotten eggs. If the issue is not fixed promptly, it may lead to a catalytic meltdown, and consequently, cost you more in repairs.

Burnt Carpet

The smell of burnt carpet usually indicates issues with the brakes. Therefore, if it happens under normal driving conditions, you should get your brakes checked right away.

Sweet Syrup

When your car is producing the sweet smell of syrup, it means that the engine coolant could be leaking. If this is the case, then you have to be worried because your car could suffer a catastrophic breakdown if it overheats. Therefore, if your car is producing the sweet smell of syrup, you need to visit your mechanic right away.

Burning Rubber

If your car is producing the smell of burning rubber, it means that a belt could be slipping or rubbing a moving part. If the issue is not fixed promptly, the belt will wear out quickly and lead to repairs that could have been avoided.

Musty Odor

This car smell is associated with the air conditioning system. It is usually caused by mildew and molds that form in the A/C evaporator. To fix this issue, you can turn off the A/C and then run the fan on high so that the system can dry out.

The Takeaway

As you can see, you need to take note of any unusual smell that your car produces and see your mechanic as soon as possible. If you need a mechanic to diagnose and fix an issue associated with any peculiar vehicle smell, visit our auto shop for the best auto repair experience.

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