What is that smell emanating from your car?

Do you smell something?

Have you ever smelled something emanating from your car, whether it was while you were sitting on idle, right after starting you car or while stepping out of the car. Some odors do not indicate something is wrong, while others do. Your mechanic can diagnose the problem by starting with where the smell originates from and what does it smell like. When taking your car to the mechanic try to be as descriptive as possible to when you smell something and what does it smell like.

Does it smell like

1. Gas - when parked, in hot weather, inside a garage
potential cause - leak in fuel-injection line or fuel tank vent hose
2. Rotten Eggs - while engine is running
potential cause - fuel-injection problem, failed catalytic converted ($$$ to fix, maybe be covered under warranty)
3. Syrup - when engine is warm or when it's shut off
potential cause - leaking coolant possibly coming from a radiator, heater hose, cylinder head etc. several areas to check for leaking coolant
4. Locker Room - when turning on A/C or heater
potential cause - growing mildew inside A/C evaporator - to dry the system out turn off A/C and run the fan on high for a couple of minutes before getting into your destination.
5. Sulfur - when car is sitting after a long drive
potential cause - leaking gear lube from manual transmission. Check for oily spots/drips under the car.
6. Burning Oil - while engine is hot
potential cause - leaking oil to exhaust manifold, hence the smell. Or a leaky crankshaft which would spray oil all over and you would see it under the car as well

If ever in doubt with a smell emanating from your car, take your car in to be checked by a professional mechanic. For example, leaking gasoline can be and is a fire danger. Better safe than sorry.

Articles that may be related to this one

• There does not seem to be any related articles at this time.