Description
Smell in the car Inspection
In-car smells can indicate minor or major mechanical issues, depending on the nature of the smell, its location, and whether any fluid leaks or other symptoms are present.
Typically, smells originate from a fluid leak or malfunctioning component.
- Fluid leaks: Fluid leaks are the most common source of unusual smells in a vehicle. Gasoline, oil, coolant, and other fluids can leak from ruptured hoses, lines, gaskets, and seals.
- Malfunctioning components: Many components can cause fluids to leak if they break or rupture, but some components themselves can cause unusual odours if they stop working correctly. For example, an overcharged battery produces excess heat, resulting in the battery putting off a strong scent of sulfur (like rotten eggs).
Common car smells:
Smells emanating from under the hood or the vehicle often take on a specific, recurring odour. If your car is putting off one of the following scents, take note of it — it’s likely your issue is one of those commonly associated with that particular smell.
- Exhaust: Have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a significant component of vehicle exhaust and is often referred to as the “silent killer.” If exhaust fumes are present in the cabin, so is CO. CO can cause loss of consciousness, and prolonged exposure can cause death.
- Petrol: On modern automobiles, fuel odours should not be detectable at any time beyond refuelling. A strong smell of petrol can indicate a leaking fuel supply component (fuel filler hose, filter, or lines) or an evaporative emissions component (purge valve, hoses, or canister). Have the vehicle inspected by a professional immediately.
- Sweet (like maple syrup): The likely culprit is coolant when a sweet smell is detectable. The coolant travels throughout the engine, radiator, various hoses, and the heater core, usually located under the dashboard. An overheating condition will usually follow a coolant smell, so a mechanic should immediately perform a thorough visual inspection. At no time should the radiator cap on a vehicle at an operating temperature be removed, as the hot coolant can cause serious injuries.
- Sulfur (like a struck match): The most likely cause of a strong scent like rotten eggs is a catalytic converter being overwhelmed or reaching failure, but it could also be the result of an overcharged battery or fuel system issue. To avoid costly repairs, have the car inspected as soon as possible.
- Burning wood or rubber: Overheating the brakes or tires can cause the car interior to smell burnt rubber. A slipping or malfunctioning clutch can cause the interior to smell like burning wood. If the smell persists, it may indicate a slipping clutch or a brake component seized and needed for service. In both cases, letting the components cool off for a few minutes may solve the problem.
- Hot oil: As engine oil leaks from a failed gasket or seal, it typically lands on hot components and gives off a distinct smell. Small amounts of oil may neither leave traces on the floor nor be easily seen without a thorough inspection. It’s essential to address the smell of oil even if no oil is visible.
- Mildew or mould: Usually, a musty odour indicates buildup on the vehicle’s evaporator or a cabin air filter that is due for replacement (if the car is so equipped). An inspection of the duct system will usually be required. If the vehicle has a cabin filter, a replacement may be necessary.
Common reasons for this to happen:
- A fuel injector is bad
- The fuel filter is bad
- The fuel tank is leaking
- The fuel pressure regulator is leaking
- Fuel pump assembly failure
- Broken fuel line
- Catalytic converter failure
- Overcharged battery
- The cabin air filter is bad
- The evaporator is plugged or dirty
- The drain hole is plugged
- Slipping or malfunctioning clutch
- Failed engine gasket or seal
- The heater core is leaking
- The radiator hose is bad
- The parking brake was left on while driving
- Seized brake piston
What to expect:
A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the source and cause of the smell and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.
How important is this service?
Many smells are the first indication of a potentially serious problem. If the smell you detect is not on the list, there may still be a problem requiring attention. The mechanic will be able to determine the severity of the issue during the inspection.
