Car Smells and What the Issue Could Be

A bad smell in your car can make a drive unpleasant. It can also mean that your car needs a mechanic's attention. Here we offer some idea of what might be wrong by figuring out where the smell is coming from. If you are not sure what kind of problem your car may be dealing with, here are some clues.

Burned Rubber

One potential cause of the problem is an issue with the brakes. The brakes can start to wear out over time, producing friction that causes excessive heat. This usually occurs when the brake pads get too thin. The smell of burning rubber can also come from an oil leak. Oil can drip onto the hot exhaust pipe, which in turn causes the unpleasant scent.

Gym Clothes

The smell of old gym clothes is another one that you won't be able to ignore. This unpleasant smell can be caused by excessive amounts of moisture in the air conditioning system. Moisture can build up in the air conditioning unit, causing mold and mildew to grow. The growth of mold and mildew can create the unpleasant odor of gym clothes or a locker room. If this happens, you can try letting the fan run to eliminate the odor and dry the unit out.

Burned Carpet

The smell of burning carpet can also indicate that you have a problem with the brakes. A burning carpet smell can signify that the handbrake has been left on while driving or overheated brake pads. You'll want to have a mechanic make the proper replacement for the worn parts in this case.

Syrup

This smell can be due to a coolant fluid leak. You may notice the smell is stronger when the engine is running or after you've just turned the car off. The coolant fluid leak can originate from several places, including the cylinder head and radiator.

Sulfur or Rotten Eggs

A rotten egg smell can be caused by an engine running poorly or a problem with the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is possibly not processing hydrogen sulfide in the exhaust correctly, causing the rotten smell of sulfur or rotten eggs.

If your car has any of these unusual smells, contact us or visit our dealership today. Our expert Toyota technicians are prepared to diagnose and service your vehicle for any strange smells, so you can continue driving confidently.