Car Smells and What the Issue Could Be

Car odors can start quickly or subtly linger for some time. Some are worse than others. You can get some idea of your car's possible trouble spots by connecting the dots between the smell and certain parts of your vehicle. Here, we provide insight into a few unusual car smells and what they may be indicating.

Burned Rubber

Overheated rubber is not a pleasant smell. This distinctive smell usually signifies an issue with the brake system. The braking system will give off a burning smell when the components get too hot and create friction. The smell may start gradually as the brakes worsen with age or start more suddenly if you've recently used your brakes extensively.

Gym Clothes

No one wants to put up with the smell of old gym clothes, whether at home or in the car. This unwanted smell usually stems from bacteria or mold growing in the damp environment of the A/C evaporator. The problem usually worsens with the windows rolled up and the air conditioning on. A solution you may try is leaving the A/C off while turning the fan on. This should dry out the system, alleviating the unpleasant smell.

Burned Carpet

Singed carpet is a smell that may make you want to stop driving your car. The brakes will start smelling like burned carpet with excess wear. The brakes should be checked by an expert mechanic to identify and mitigate potential safety hazards. Your driving style and road conditions that warrant heavy braking can make the brakes smell this way as well.

Syrup

Sweet, syrup-like smells may indicate engine trouble. The engine can be affected by leaking coolant that contains ethylene glycol. Coolant fluid leaks are best handled by a mechanic for safety reasons. If the smell is stronger inside the cabin, this may indicate issues with the heater core.

Sulfur or Rotten Eggs

Smelling rotten eggs or sulfur should equate to seeking professional diagnosis. A rotten egg smell can signal an engine that doesn't run as it should or an issue with a related part like the exhaust or catalytic converter.

When your car smells off, contact us for a proper diagnosis from our service experts. At Trophy Nissan, we work to enhance customer satisfaction. Our well-trained technicians are happy to help identify any strange car smells and get you back on the road, odor-free!