Wake up and smell...your car? Whether it's musty air coming from your A/C vents or a rotten egg smell in your car's interior, some car smells are definitely worth sniffing out. Learn how to identify and troubleshoot your car's smelly hints that something's wrong.
| WEIRD CAR SMELLS AND POTENTIAL CAUSES | |
|---|---|
| Common Car Smells | Possible Causes |
| Car Smells Like Gas | • Leaks in the fuel tank or fuel injector |
| Exhaust Smell in Car | • Poor door and window seals • Leak in car exhaust system |
| Rotten Egg Smell in Car | • Malfunctioning fuel system |
| Burning Rubber Smell in Car | • Loose, damaged, or worn-out belts or hoses |
| Burning Oil or Plastic Smell in Car | • Worn-out brake pads, burned-out electrical fuse, overheating A/C compressor |
| Mildew Smell from Car A/C | • Mold or mildew in the A/C system caused by excessive moisture buildup |
| Maple Syrup Smell in Car | • Coolant or antifreeze leak |
1. The Car Smells Like Gas
If you smell gas in your car long after you fill up your tank, pay attention! Maybe you accidentally got some gasoline on your shoes or clothing the last time you stopped by the gas station, and the fumes stayed inside your car. If this is the case, the smell should dissipate soon. Roll the windows down while you drive to get rid of it faster.
If the gas smell in your car lasts longer than a few hours, it may not be such an easy fix. A prolonged gasoline smell could indicate issues with your gas cap or a leaky fuel tank or injector. Any of these issues could hurt your car's fuel efficiency—and your health—so it's best to head to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care ASAP and let our trusted technicians find the root of the smell.
2. There’s an Exhaust Smell In Car Interior
If there's one car odor you should never ignore, it's exhaust fumes inside the cabin. Exhaust fumes in the interior of your car most often indicate a leak in your car's exhaust system or poor seals on your windows or doors.
This car smell is dangerous, as exposure to exhaust fumes inside a confined space (i.e., the inside of your car) can be deadly to both people and animals. If you smell an exhaust odor in your car while driving, take it to a technician immediately to diagnose and repair the underlying issue.
3. There’s a Rotten Egg Smell Coming From Car Vents
Is that last week's forgotten lunch, or is something wrong under the hood? A rotten egg smell in your car often indicates a malfunctioning part in the fuel system. If the catalytic converter, fuel injectors, fuel filters, or fuel pressure sensors are worn out or damaged, sulfur-smelling gas can leak out and make its way into your car's cabin.
This smell isn't just unpleasant—like the others we've highlighted, it can be dangerous if left unaddressed. But sometimes, the issue is as simple as fixing a gear oil leak since some gear oils can also smell like sulfur.
4. Your Car Smells Like Burning Rubber
Unless you're a racecar driver out for a spin on the track, the smell of burning rubber in your car could spell trouble. A burning rubber smell from a car can indicate that a rubber hose or belt under the hood has loosened. When this happens, these parts can move around and come into contact with hot engine parts—hence the burning rubber smell.
Sometimes, a burning rubber smell can be caused by an oil or fluid leak or even a damaged or worn-out drive belt. If you smell burning rubber, head to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for diagnosis and expert engine repair. Loose belts and hoses don't get better with time.
5. The Car Smells Like Burning Oil or Plastic
Maybe it doesn't smell like rubber, but you're almost sure something is burning under the hood. A burning smell in your car could be caused by several things, including a burned-out electrical fuse, an overheating A/C compressor, a damaged alternator, or worn-out brake pads that need to be replaced.
If your car smells like burning plastic, or you can't quite put your finger on the scent, it's best to let a trained technician take a look under the hood to determine if you just need a simple wiring fix, new alternator, or if you might need a brake check and repair to keep you safe on the road.
6. The Inside of Your Car Smells Like Mildew
A musty smell from the A/C vents could mean that excess moisture has accumulated in your evaporator or drain lines. Breathing moldy air for long periods can be harmful, so don't let this issue linger.
If you've also been asking yourself, "Why does my car smell like vinegar or dirty socks?" This car A/C smell can be another sign of mold or mildew. Bring your vehicle to your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for top-notch A/C service that'll help keep allergies and offensive odors at bay.
7. There’s a Maple Syrup or Sweet Smell Coming From the Vents
When you turn the heat on in your car, does it smell sweet, almost like maple syrup? Don’t make pancakes just yet – this is often a sign that there’s a coolant or antifreeze leak in your car. These leaks can point to issues with the radiator, a hose, or your heater core. Another sign of coolant leaks can be fog coming from the vents or greasy condensation on the lower part of the windshield.
Firestone Complete Auto Care Can Tackle Strange Car Smells!
It's never wise to ignore signs of car issues, like if your car smells like gas or there's a burning rubber smell from the car cabin. Let the friendly technicians at Firestone Complete Auto Care sniff out the issue. We might not be able to revive that new car scent, but when you schedule an appointment with Firestone Complete Auto Care, we can give you a free inspection and repair quote — now that smells like victory!
