SMELLS YOUR CAR MAKES WHEN IT NEEDS FIXING
All of your senses are valuable when driving; and while you might think sight and sound are all you need, you wouldn’t get far without your sense of touch giving you that subtle feedback from the car and road.
While we’d confidently put taste in dead last place for useful driving senses, your sense of smell is actually surprisingly important when it comes to your car…
Because, even the dullest nose can sniff out a potential problem with your car – helping to fix problems before they get too big.
Your car communicates in a variety of ways when something’s wrong. Dashboard warning lights, sounds, and, as we’ll cover here, smells. Identifying these smells can help you catch problems early, so listen (or smell) up.
BURNING OIL SMELL
One of the most common and concerning smells in a car is the scent of burning oil. This can happen for a number of reasons, but it typically means that oil is leaking onto a hot engine part like the exhaust manifold. It could also mean that your last oil top up spilled onto engine parts a bit, as is of no concern – but if you notice this smell, check your oil levels immediately.
If they’re low, top them up and look for signs of a leak under your vehicle or around the engine bay. Sort it quick, because driving with low oil levels can cause serious engine damage – and if you’re unsure, get yourself to a mechanic.
THE SWEET SMELL OF COOLANT
If you notice a sweet, syrupy smell inside or outside your vehicle, it’s either that new air freshener you got, or you’re dealing with a coolant leak. Coolant (or antifreeze) contains ethylene glycol, which has a distinctive sweet odour – and it’s vital for regulating your engine’s temperature.
A coolant leak can lead to overheating and significant engine damage. If you notice this smell, check your car’s temperature gauge. If it’s higher than normal or close to overheating, pull over and let the engine cool before inspecting the coolant level. You might need a mechanic to repair the leak and top off or flush the cooling system.
ROTTEN EGG SMELLS
The smell of rotten eggs (or sulphur) is never a good sign in a car. It usually points to a problem with your car’s exhaust or emissions system, and in particular, your catalytic converter.
Ignoring this smell can lead to a damaged catalytic converter, which is expensive to replace. It’s best to get your exhaust system checked as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
BURNING RUBBER SMELL
The smell of burning rubber usually indicates that something in your car is overheating or that rubber components are in contact with hot parts of the engine.
A burning rubber smell warrants immediate attention. Inspect the engine belts and hoses for wear, cracks or alignment issues. If you’re unsure of the source, have a mechanic inspect your car – leaving a faulty belt or hose unchecked could result in engine damage.
FUEL SMELL
If you smell petrol (or its less delicious-smelling cousin, diesel) inside or around your vehicle, it’s a sign that something is leaking. This could be as simple as a loose petrol cap, but it could also point to more serious problems in your fuel system.
The first thing to check is your petrol cap, and make sure it’s tightened properly. You have no idea how many times we’ve seen cars drive away from a garage after filling up with their fuel cap all the way off!
If the cap is secure and the smell persists, it’s essential to get your car checked immediately. Fuel leaks are dangerous because petrol in particular is highly flammable, and even a small spark could lead to a fire. Diesel has a higher flashpoint, but it’ll still happily burn in the presence of a flame – so don’t ignore it!
MOULDY OR MUSTY SMELLS
A musty or mouldy smell coming from your car’s vents or interior usually indicates moisture buildup, which can lead to mould or mildew growth. This is especially common in older cars, and cars with poor air conditioning system maintenance.
You can start resolving this one by replacing your cabin air filter, as this is the most common source of musty smells. If the smell continues, check for moisture under the carpets or in the boot. Make sure the aircon system is draining properly, and have any leaks addressed before mould can take hold.
BURNING PLASTIC SMELL
A burning plastic smell can be alarming and is often a sign that electrical components are overheating or that there’s an issue with wiring.
If you notice this smell, stop driving immediately. Electrical issues are a fire hazard, so it’s important to have a mechanic inspect your car to find the source of the problem. Continuing to drive with overheated wiring can lead to significant damage or even a vehicle fire.
NEED A SECOND NOSE? BOOK A CAR SERVICE WITH MASTER TECH AUTOS
Funky smells? We’ll help you get your car running (and smelling) like new. Call 023 8061 1161 or contact us to book your car service.