We’ve all been there: you’re driving down the road and you start to notice a funny smell coming from your car. Sometimes it’s a burning smell and other times it might smell like old eggs (if you haven’t experienced that one, consider yourself lucky!).
Depending on what you’re smelling, the problem could be coming from several key areas of your car, and if you take a look at descriptions below, it might give you a good idea on what kind of problem you’re dealing with.
Gasoline
This one is easy because most of us have smelled gasoline before. If you’ve mowed a lawn, you’ve probably spilled a little gasoline from time to time, and you know how that smell likes to stick around. On a car it could mean that you flooded your engine, and if you turned the key and it tries to start but won’t, that’s probably your issue. But, if that’s not it then it is likely a leak in your fueling system and you should get that looked at ASAP.
Bitter
Most times this is an oil leak and you’re smelling it burning off of your engine. If the smell gets worse or hangs around for a few days, then you might have a substantial oil leak that needs to be checked. If the smell has a hint of chemicals in it, then you could have overheated your brakes (or clutch if you drive a manual transmission). This could be a sign of a bigger problem and it’s best to discuss it with a mechanic.
Sweet
If your car or truck is overheating, then you are probably leaking coolant. You want to stop driving as soon as possible if this is the case because you could cause serious damage to the engine if it gets too hot while you drive. You can check your radiator fluid to see if it’s leaking out, but make sure the engine is completely cooled before you take off your radiator cap! Pressure in the lines could cause boiling-hot fluid to spray everywhere if the engine is still hot.
Eggs
The old eggs or sulfur smell is probably coming from something in your exhaust and emissions system. Have it checked as soon as possible to make sure that the problem doesn’t get more severe.
Toast
Another food smell, and this one isn’t good, either. You might have smelled this before at home or in the office because it’s usually an indicator of an electrical problem. Like all electrical issues, it’s best to leave it to an experienced professional, so make sure that you fully explain the problem and where the smell is coming from.
Come over and see me if you have any questions about this or any other post here!
