Car Smells: The Cause & The Solution

If something smells off about your car, then you might have a problem that needs some immediate attention.

From exhaust fumes to rotten eggs, the smells produced by your car can tell you a lot about your vehicle’s health.

Read on and learn about some distinct car smells and their causes, and how to get rid of smells from your vehicle.

 

What Is Causing My Car to Smell?

Take a look at some common car smells and their potential causes.

 

Burning = Overheating air con, worn out brake pads

Rotten eggs = Clogged catalytic converter, leaking battery, engine problems

Burning rubber = Slipping belt, worn out clutch, worn out brakes

Fuel = Fuel leak

Exhaust Fumes = Exhaust system leak

Chemicals = Heater core problem, leaking refrigerant

Sweet = Coolant leak

Burning fur = Dead animal

Stale air = Leak, poor ventilation

 

Car Smells Like Burning

A burning smell coming from your car can signal that your air con has overheated, your brake pads have worn out or you have a burnt-out fuse.

It could also mean that two parts of the car are rubbing together and generating a great deal of heat and friction.

In any case, you should have this investigated by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

 

Car Smells Like Rotten Eggs

A sulphuric smell can usually be attributed to issues with the catalytic converter, battery, engine or the fuel filter.

In the case of a clogged catalytic converter, the rotten egg smell can be attributed to the hydrogen sulfide that passes through it changing into sulfur dioxide as opposed to water or steam when the cat is working well.

Alternatively, your car’s transmission fluid may be old or leaking.

You should have the issue diagnosed and repaired by a professional mechanic immediately if you can smell rotten eggs.

 

Car Smells Like Burning Rubber

If your car smells like burning rubber, you should turn off the engine and check under the bonnet for anything that looks out of place.

You may realise that a belt or other part has been slipping and rubbing against the hot engine.

If your car smells like burning rubber after driving, then the issue could be melting hoses or faulty drive belts.

The issue could even relate to a worn-out clutch or brakes.

Leaking oil and coolant could also be the cause, so it is essential that you have your vehicle looked at by a professional mechanic if you smell burning rubber.

 

Car Smells of Fuel

If the smell of fuel doesn’t go away soon, then you could have a fuel leak in the tank or in the fuel lines.

As fuel is highly flammable, you should have this checked out immediately if you smell fuel from your car.

 

Car Smells of Exhaust Fumes

Not only do exhaust fumes smell bad, they are also highly toxic.

You shouldn’t be able to smell noticeable exhaust fumes in the cabin of a modern car for any real length of time.

If you do, there could be a leak in the exhaust system or you may have a broken exhaust pipe.

Driving in these conditions can make you feel sleepy or even cause lasting health problems, so you should have your system checked right away by a trained technician.

 

Car Smells Like Chemicals

A chemical smell can indicate that there is a problem with the heater core.

Alternatively, a chemical smell could signal that the AC evaporator is leaking refrigerant.

In any case, you should have your vehicle looked at by a professional mechanic.

Of course, if you have a new car, then you may just be experiencing that new car smell that many people enjoy.

New car smell is the smell of the vehicle’s leather, fabrics, adhesives and plastics settling into place.

As such, it can smell like chemicals as the interior is made up of new, chemically-cleaned products.

For some people, the smell is not that pleasant, so you may want to find an air freshener that is more suited to your tastes.

 

Car Smells Sweet

A sweet smell is usually caused by engine coolant.

If you start smelling something sweet throughout the cabin, then there could be a leak in the cooling system.

You should have this looked at right away, or else your engine could overheat and lead to costly repairs.

If you don’t act quickly when you notice this issue, this can and will cause complete engine failure.

 

Car Smells Like Burning Fur

If you smell burning fur from your car, then – sadly – it is likely that an animal may have died in your car’s engine bay.

You should look out for any signs of straw or dried grass - an animal may use these to set up a nest underneath your vehicle if you don’t use it often.

These materials can be a fire risk, and the animals may even chew through the wires or hoses in your car.

 

Car Smells Like Stale Air

If your car smells damp, musty, mouldy or stale, then there could be a leak somewhere.

Leaks can allow water to collect, leading to bacteria and fungus growing in your car.

Poor ventilation through the AC could also cause a damp smell, with spores released into the air.

It is not good for you to breathe in this mould, which is why it is important that you have your car’s air conditioning system looked at at the appropriate intervals.

Other warning signs of a faulty air con system include a lack of cold air blowing through the vents, strange sounds and reduced performance.

As the seals for the bonnet, boot, doors and windscreen are areas where water can build up over time, this can also produce a musty smell.

By regularly cleaning your vehicle and letting any mats and covers dry before they go back in the car, you can get rid of a damp car smell.

 

How Do I Get Rid of Car Smells?

By cleaning your car regularly, you can keep on top of unpleasant smells.

Check for any items in your vehicle that could be causing the odour and bin them.

Many odours can become trapped in the fabric of your vehicle’s interior, so it’s important that you give your car a good vacuum to get rid of them.

Simple household items like baking soda, white vinegar and coffee – when used effectively – can all work as natural remedies for unpleasant car smells.

You can use anti-bacterial or anti-mildew solutions to clean your car to get rid of a damp or musty smell.

Ensuring that your air con system is working properly and your fluids are topped up can also help you get rid of nasty car smells.

Of course, you can use car air fresheners and open your windows to let fresh air in – but addressing the root cause of the issue is essential.

If you still can’t get rid of a bad car smell, consider having your vehicle professionally cleaned.

 

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