Car Smells and What the Issue Could Be

Depending on the odor, the unusual smell you may notice from your car might be coming from different parts. We are happy to share some information on common car smells and the probable cause. The list is endless, but for now, we detail these few scents.

Burned Rubber

The smell of a burned rubber in the car’s cabin can be due to several causes. The culprit here is the friction emanating from the drive belt. The burning rubber odor can also be caused by leaking oil. An experienced mechanic is the one who can fix the above problem leaving your car odor-free.

Burned Carpet

A burned carpet odor is most likely emanating from the brakes. If you have recently traveled a long distance, you will notice that once the brakes pad overheats, the smell of a burning carpet becomes apparent. Worn-out brake pads can also cause the scent.

Gym Clothes

Gym clothes odor can also be defined as the locker room smell. Here, the source is typically the air conditioning unit. This smell generally is due to mildew that has grown in the air conditioning evaporator. The solution here is turning off your A/C unit and then running the fan to help dry out the whole system.

Syrup

When you recognize the smell of syrup in your car, know that there is a leaking coolant fluid. The scent is evident when the vehicle is running or when the engine has just stopped. This type of leakage may come from several sections: a radiator hose or a heater, cylinder head, or even the intake manifold gasket. The other culprit here would be the radiator or the radiator cap.

Rotten Eggs or Sulfur

You may wonder where the smell of rotten eggs may originate from. If you notice such a scent when the car runs, the primary cause is the hydrogen sulfide in the exhaust. It is usually created by small amounts of sulfur in the car’s gasoline. The smell is a result of sulfur that has not been converted to sulfur dioxide by the vehicle’s catalytic converter.

If you continue encountering unusual smells from your car, call us to schedule an appointment or visit our Honda dealership in Fort Worth. Our team of certified technicians is ready to help you identify the root cause and address your automotive needs.