Common Car Smells: What Do They Mean and What to Do About It
Whenever we smell something funky inside our car, our first resort is to try to diffuse the smell with air fresheners. While there’s nothing wrong with this, we should try to determine the type of smell there is before we purify the air and make it go away. There are different types of car smells and each may give a clue if there’s something wrong with your vehicle.
Smell #1: Maple syrup when your engine has warmed: Ethylene glycol may be leaking from somewhere in your vehicle. This sweet-smelling coolant is toxic and you shouldn’t brush this off. Likely sources could be the radiator or heater hose. Your radiator cap may be leaking or it could be that the radiator itself has damages.
Smell #2: Gym socks when you turn on the air-conditioner or heater: You have mildew in the moisture condensing inside the evaporator of your air-con. Quickest solution is to turn off the air-conditioner when you’re still a mile away from your destination and just use the fan to allow the system to dry out.
Smell # 3: Rotten eggs, pretty much every time when your engine is running: Your exhaust may be releasing hydrogen sulphide, resulting from sulphur in gasoline. Normally, this should be converted to sulphur dioxide by your catalytic converter so failure to do so may indicate fuel- injection problem. This can be fixed by a good mechanic but chances are you have to replace your catalytic converter.
Smell # 4: Burnt carpet after using the brakes: Overheated brake pads are the likely culprit. This means you have been using the brakes a lot or you’ve been pedalling hard. Or it could be both. A seized-up brake calliper piston results to dragging brakes. The smelliest and hottest brake is the one with the drag.
If you encounter such smells, don’t hesitate to call or come by the shop for a quick check-up or consultation.
Roverworks is Canberra’s top choice for automotive repairs, parts and maintenance. Our mechanic team specialises in Land Rover and Range Rover models, in addition to servicing of 4x4s, off-road and other car models. Visit our shop for a quick check-up or consultation, repairs, maintenance and parts.