Car Smells: 7 Odors That Can Spell Trouble
You’re driving down the road and suddenly it hits you…what’s that smell? There’s nothing under the seat and the rest of the interior is in the clear. So, what gives?
Car smells are a sign that something is amiss with the vehicle. But what do they mean? Here are seven car smells that warrant mechanical attention.
Your Car Smells Like Burning Rubber
Since you’re not a race car driver out for a track spin, the smell of burning rubber can mean several things. A rubber belt or hose has loosened causing it to come in contact with hot engine parts.
Or, you have a fluid or oil leak, or a damaged or worn out drive belt. Either way, it’s time to get that smell checked out. Loose belts and hoses don’t resolve on their own.
Your Car has a Weird Burning Smell
When it doesn’t smell like rubber, but it does smell like something under the hood is burning, it could be an overheated A/C compressor, a burned out electrical fuse, or worn out brake pads that need replacing.
If it has a plastic smell or a smell you can’t identify, it could be you need nothing more than a simple wiring fix. Or it could mean you need a brake check and repair.
It’s best to let one of our trained technicians check it out for you.
Your Car Smells Like Burnt Paper
If you have a straight stick and smell burnt paper when you change gears, it could be that the clutch facing is burning off as the clutch slips.
Usually, this happens if the driver is “riding” the clutch. That means the driver is stepping too frequently on the pedal causing enough friction to burn the paper-based clutch facings. That, in turn, can cause your entire clutch to fail.
Your Car Smells Like Gas
Prolonged gas smells can indicate issues with a leaky fuel tank or injector. It can also mean there’s something going on with your gas cap.
Either of these issues can affect your car’s fuel efficiency, not to mention your health!
Let the certified Chevy technicians at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza get to the source of the problem.
Your Car Smells Like Rotten Eggs
No, it’s not last week’s lunch reminding you to take out your car’s trash. That rotten egg smell can mean a malfunctioning part in the fuel system. Worn out fuel pressure sensors, a catalytic converter, or fuel filters can leak out sulfur gas into the cabin.
Not only is the smell unpleasant, but it can also be dangerous if left unfixed. Another possibility for that sulfur smell could be as simple as needing to replace the transmission fluid.
Old transmission fluid can give off that same rotten egg smell. Get that smell checked out!
Your Car Smells Musty or Sour
Got a musty smell coming from the A/C vents? That could mean excess moisture has accumulated in the car’s drain lines or air filter.
It’s never good to breathe moldy air. Get your vehicle serviced to correct the problem.
If your A/C smells like dirty socks or vinegar, you most likely need to have your air conditioning system serviced. Don’t wait. You don’t want to further damage you’re A/C components.
Your Car Smells Like Maple Syrup
If you smell something sweet after the engine has been running for awhile, it could be a coolant leak from the radiator, a cylinder head, or manifold gasket that is malfunctioning.
Is the smell the strongest inside the car? That could mean a heater core problem.
Take Care of Your Car
Your car—whether it’s a brand new Chevy or one of our quality used cars—is an investment. Never let any of these problems linger!
Our Chevy certified technicians are trained to work on all makes and models of vehicles. We can help you with maintenance to keep your car running longer. And, when mechanical problems arise, trust the pros in our service department to keep you safe on the road.
At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we’ve been a respected Harrisonburg auto dealer in our community for 60+ years. Learn more about us here.
Car smells are a sign that something is amiss with the vehicle. But what do they mean? Here are seven car smells that warrant mechanical attention.
Your Car Smells Like Burning Rubber
Since you’re not a race car driver out for a track spin, the smell of burning rubber can mean several things. A rubber belt or hose has loosened causing it to come in contact with hot engine parts.
Or, you have a fluid or oil leak, or a damaged or worn out drive belt. Either way, it’s time to get that smell checked out. Loose belts and hoses don’t resolve on their own.
Your Car has a Weird Burning Smell
When it doesn’t smell like rubber, but it does smell like something under the hood is burning, it could be an overheated A/C compressor, a burned out electrical fuse, or worn out brake pads that need replacing.
If it has a plastic smell or a smell you can’t identify, it could be you need nothing more than a simple wiring fix. Or it could mean you need a brake check and repair.
It’s best to let one of our trained technicians check it out for you.
Your Car Smells Like Burnt Paper
If you have a straight stick and smell burnt paper when you change gears, it could be that the clutch facing is burning off as the clutch slips.
Usually, this happens if the driver is “riding” the clutch. That means the driver is stepping too frequently on the pedal causing enough friction to burn the paper-based clutch facings. That, in turn, can cause your entire clutch to fail.
Your Car Smells Like Gas
Prolonged gas smells can indicate issues with a leaky fuel tank or injector. It can also mean there’s something going on with your gas cap.
Either of these issues can affect your car’s fuel efficiency, not to mention your health!
Let the certified Chevy technicians at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza get to the source of the problem.
Your Car Smells Like Rotten Eggs
No, it’s not last week’s lunch reminding you to take out your car’s trash. That rotten egg smell can mean a malfunctioning part in the fuel system. Worn out fuel pressure sensors, a catalytic converter, or fuel filters can leak out sulfur gas into the cabin.
Not only is the smell unpleasant, but it can also be dangerous if left unfixed. Another possibility for that sulfur smell could be as simple as needing to replace the transmission fluid.
Old transmission fluid can give off that same rotten egg smell. Get that smell checked out!
Your Car Smells Musty or Sour
Got a musty smell coming from the A/C vents? That could mean excess moisture has accumulated in the car’s drain lines or air filter.
It’s never good to breathe moldy air. Get your vehicle serviced to correct the problem.
If your A/C smells like dirty socks or vinegar, you most likely need to have your air conditioning system serviced. Don’t wait. You don’t want to further damage you’re A/C components.
Your Car Smells Like Maple Syrup
If you smell something sweet after the engine has been running for awhile, it could be a coolant leak from the radiator, a cylinder head, or manifold gasket that is malfunctioning.
Is the smell the strongest inside the car? That could mean a heater core problem.
Take Care of Your Car
Your car—whether it’s a brand new Chevy or one of our quality used cars—is an investment. Never let any of these problems linger!
Our Chevy certified technicians are trained to work on all makes and models of vehicles. We can help you with maintenance to keep your car running longer. And, when mechanical problems arise, trust the pros in our service department to keep you safe on the road.
At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we’ve been a respected Harrisonburg auto dealer in our community for 60+ years. Learn more about us here.
