What does it mean when your car starts to smell?
If your engine has been running for a few minutes and you start to smell something sweet, coolant containing ethylene glycol could be leaking from the radiator, cylinder head or a failed intake manifold gasket. If the smell is strongest inside the car, this is could indicate a problem with the heater core.
Why does my car smell Fumey?
Over time, the catalytic converter can become overheated, contaminated with gasoline in the exhaust or simply wear out. When this happens, you’re likely to notice a rotten egg, sulphurous smell coming from the exhaust. You may even smell it in the cabin.
What happens if your car has a sweet smell?
The worst potential outcome is catastrophic engine failure due to overheating. If you detect an unexplained sweet smell coming from your car, it’s of extreme importance that you treat the underlying problem as soon as possible. Within even a short period of time an engine that is running without adequate coolant can overheat and seize.
Why does my car smell like burning oil?
I think I covered most of the smells you will encounter on your journeys; I didn’t cover the smell of burning oil because I believe that car smell is unmistakable. If you see smoke coming from the engine compartment and you have to add oil every time you fill up your fuel tank, it’s probably oil causing the smoke and smell.
Is it possible to identify a car smell?
Trying to identify car smells can sometimes be baffling, but one thing is for sure, there is an answer. One of the most common car smells people complain about in vehicles is a musty or stale smell. The best air fresheners will not remove the smell because the source is still there.
What does coolant smell like in hot car?
Coolant has a sweet smell like candy. If your car is leaking coolant or antifreeze, you will notice the sweet aroma coming from your engine compartment or inside your vehicle if your heater core has failed. Antifreeze gets very hot and will start to steam, especially if it’s spraying onto a hot engine or running down a hot radiator.