Car Smells and What the Issue Could Be

Owning a car can be a source of pride and joy, but it comes with responsibility. Our vehicles need the occasional tuneup and part replacement. Paying attention to your car's symptoms can indicate when it's time for service. A strange smell is a clue that something might be wrong. Follow your nose to the source of these common smells that indicate a problem with your car to fix and avoid more significant problems in the future.

Burned Rubber

Although the smell of burned rubber might make you think something is wrong with your tires, it can indicate other issues if you notice it inside your vehicle. Drive belt friction is one culprit, while leaking oil is another.

Gym Clothes

No one wants their car to smell like a stinky locker room. Talk about embarrassing and uncomfortable. If your vehicle smells damp, the issue may lie with your air conditioner and too much moisture. Sometimes turning on the fan can dry everything out and fix the problem, but if the smell persists, a mechanic can clean out the entire system.

Burned Carpet

If your car smells like burned carpet, consider the brake pads. They may be worn and in need of replacement, or the smell could appear after extensive use that causes the brake pads to overheat.

Syrup

A sweet syrupy smell may be the first sign that your car has sprung a coolant leak somewhere. The heater or radiator hose, the cylinder head, radiator, or intake manifold gasket may also be likely spots for a leak. It's not uncommon to notice this scent to start after you've started the car and stick around a bit once you've turned it off.

Sulfur or Rotten Eggs

The smell of rotten eggs emanating from your car typically indicates an exhaust system issue. Gasoline contains low levels of sulfur, which should be converted to sulfur dioxide by the catalytic converter. A mechanic can verify if this is the problem and get your car back into working order.

If you're dealing with unusual car smells or other issues, we can help diagnose the problem. Contact our dealership to request an appointment at our service center or visit us in Surprise, AZ, today.