Car Smells and What the Issue Could Be

If you notice a strange smell coming from your vehicle, it could be something as harmless as a forgotten lunch box. Or it could spell trouble that may lead to costly repairs if neglected. Here are a few of the most common smells in vehicles and what they may indicate about your car's health.

Burned Rubber

If you are regularly noticing a smell of burned rubber, it could be an indication of loose hoses or a plastic bag that became stuck underneath the engine. Be sure to let the engine completely cool down before rooting around to try to find the problem.

Burned Carpet

If you are driving in normal conditions and you notice the unmistakable odor of burned carpet, it could be that your brakes and brake pads may need to be inspected. The only time this type of scent is normal is if you just traveled down a long mountain pass that required you to use the brakes more than usual.

Gym Clothes

The smell of dirty gym clothes is particularly alarming if it comes when you turn on the vehicle's air conditioning system. This odor is a sign that there is mildew growing inside the evaporator of your air conditioner.

Syrup

A coolant leak is the most likely culprit that leads to the smell of sweet maple syrup. This leak could be coming from a variety of sources, including a radiator or heater hose or a broken intake manifold gasket. This toxic fluid attracts animals, making it important that you check this issue as soon as possible.

Sulfur or Rotten Eggs

It is never a good sign if you notice the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs when your engine runs. This odor could potentially indicate issues with your engine or the catalytic converter. This repair can get costly if you do not address it right away.

If you have an unidentifiable smell in your vehicle, the smart decision is to get it checked out by the professionals at Reliable Lexus in Springfield. Our team of Lexus experts will help you to identify the root cause of the smell and service your vehicle as needed. We are eager to get you up and running with no odors in your vehicle.