Drivers who are often behind the wheel usually have a good understanding of their beloved cars’ condition and are more likely to notice any abnormal issues, for the sake of “early detection, early treatment”. Experts say that if you smell six particular odors, it means that your car may be experiencing problems that absolutely cannot be ignored.
According to a report by the Huffington Post, when you smell unusual odors or hear strange noises, you should pay attention because it could be your car giving you a warning, letting you know about something impending.
Bogi Lateiner, the owner of an auto repair shop in Phoenix, Arizona, emphasized the importance of not ignoring these signs. She said, “These signs are your car’s way of telling you, ‘Hey, mom, dad, my body is not feeling well, I am uncomfortable.'”
Here are the 6 most common unusual odors that auto technicians say should not be ignored:
Lateiner explained that if you smell a particular odor inside the car or under the hood, it could indicate a leak of oil from the engine or power steering components, dripping onto hot surfaces.
Leaking oil is a serious issue for two reasons. Firstly, it means the oil is not where it should be to lubricate and prevent damage. Secondly, if the leaked oil burns on hot surfaces, it produces that distinct odor you smell. In severe cases, this could even lead to a fire.
This problem may also have visible signs. Paying attention to the color of the leaked oil can help technicians diagnose the issue. For instance, if the oil is red, it may be coming from the power steering or transmission systems, while engine oil tends to be brown.
Lateiner mentioned that this odor could simply be due to running over a plastic bag that got caught in the exhaust system. This is not a major issue and can be ignored, as it will burn off on its own.
However, it could also be because of loose cables or wires coming into contact with the exhaust system. Electrical issues should not be overlooked, and it’s best to get your car checked promptly to prevent any mishaps.
Chad Cantrell, an auto technician from Virginia, stated that if you smell a certain odor, it might be due to an issue with your brake caliper.
The brake caliper is a hydraulic clamping device that, when you press the brake pedal, squeezes the brake pads onto the rotors to slow down the wheels. Therefore, a faulty brake caliper can cause wheel lock-up, leading to tire damage and the car veering off course.
Lateiner noted that many of her clients have complained about smelling a “nauseatingly sweet and sour” or “hot syrup” odor through the vents or outside the car.
This is often caused by coolant leaking onto hot surfaces. Coolant is not flammable, so there is no risk of fire, but if the coolant runs out, the engine may overheat, resulting in costly repairs.
Hence, if you detect this smell, it’s best to get it checked early. Repairing a coolant leak is relatively inexpensive.
Lateiner further explained that if you smell a sulfur odor outside the exhaust pipe, it means your catalytic converter is damaged or aging. The catalytic converter is a honeycomb-like structure usually located between the engine and the muffler, responsible for cleaning the exhaust system.
It could also be that your catalytic converter has been stolen. This device contains precious metals and is often targeted by thieves. Data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau shows that over 64,000 catalytic converter thefts occurred nationwide in 2022, with California and Texas being the most affected.
Therefore, if your car was fine one day and the next you hear sounds like a big rig when you start it, someone may have cut a hole in your exhaust pipe to steal the catalytic converter.
Lateiner also mentioned that if you smell “dirty socks” inside the car, it’s likely due to a musty cabin air filter. The cabin air filter is located in the air conditioning box underneath the dashboard and can be “very gross, especially in humid climates.”
She emphasized that many people are often unaware of having a cabin air filter. Consequently, they tend not to take action until a foul odor fills the car. Fortunately, replacing the cabin air filter is straightforward.