Car Smells and What the Issue Could Be

If you notice an unusual smell emanating from your car, you should pay close attention. The unpleasant scent may indicate a potential problem with different components of your car. Here are common odors that you should be aware of and the mechanical issues that may trigger them.

Burned Rubber

Several reasons can cause a burned rubber smell in your car. One of the most common reasons is a failed gasket seal leading to an oil leak. If leaking oil is in contact with any of the hot parts of the engine, then a burned rubber smell will emanate from your car. This may require prompt mechanical attention. The smell could also be a result of too much friction in the drive belt.

Gym Clothes

A fault in your car's air conditioning system may cause a stinky gym clothes odor. Mildew can grow in the air conditioning evaporator. To get rid of the smell, you can turn off the air conditioning system, and only run the fan to help dry it out. If you still notice the foul smell, our dealership can help you clean the system.

Burned Carpet

A burned carpet smell may indicate a possible problem with the brakes. If you have used the brakes extensively, the odor may result from overheating of the brake pads. The smell can also point to worn out brake pads, which need to be replaced.

Syrup

If you smell syrup in your car when the engine is running or immediately after turning it off, then there is a possibility that a coolant fluid is leaking somewhere. The leak may be from the cylinder head, radiator, or heater hose. Pay attention each time the smell arises for proper diagnosing.

Sulfur or Rotten Eggs

If you notice a smell similar to rotten eggs or sulfur when your car is running, this could indicate hydrogen sulfide's presence in the exhaust system. The scent results from small amounts of sulfur in gasoline, which did not correctly convert to sulfur dioxide. The catalytic converter is ordinarily responsible for the conversion.

No one likes a car with a foul smell. If you notice these unpleasant smells in your vehicle, you may need to act fast and fix the underlying problems. Our Chevrolet dealership will be happy to service and diagnose any strange smells emanating from your car.