Cars are as loyal as they can get. When they receive timely servicing and proper repairs, you will get optimal value as they will run smoothly for many hours on the road. Sadly, not all car problems can be treated with regular servicing or inspections. It is therefore a must for car owners to be more attentive when you see, hear, or even smell something unusual with your car. Some of the most common signs that point to car issues are unusual noises and unusual smells. When you catch signs early on, you will save yourself from unnecessary hassle and costly repairs in the long run.
Here are common unusual car odours to watch out for and what they mean.
- Burnt Rubber
When you smell burning rubber, this means that a rubber component in your car got into contact with a hot material and burned. Once detected, make sure to check all the rubber parts of your car. In most cases, burnt rubber smell is the result of friction between rubber and a moving metal part. It may also indicate a slipping belt or loose hose from your power system or cooling system.
2. Gasoline
If you smell gasoline while driving, this may be indicative of a leak in one of your popes. Typically, a gas leak can be found in the fuel tank or fuel injector. If you’re driving a vehicle from the 70s or earlier models, it is typical to notice a fuel odour after immediately turning off the engine. However, if the gasoline is strong, it may be best to get your car checked out by a professional auto mechanic.
3. Hot Oil
It is normal for the oil to heat up when you drive, but it shouldn’t smell like it’s burning as it is installed in a closed system. If you smell hot oil or burning oil, this is a sign of a leakage in your car’s oil circulation system. Worst case scenario is that the hot oil smell is coming from the exhaust system. To that end, you need to take your car to a trusted auto mechanic in Sydney for a thorough inspection. In this way, you will be able to get any issues resolved immediately. Low oil levels caused by a leak can result in costly damage to your engine.
4. Burning Carpet Smell
The smell of burning carpet is a clean sign of brake pad problems. Another possibility is that your rotors may be overheating. Note that brakes are an important element of your car, and any issue that relates to your braking system should be resolved immediately to avoid any safety issue or costly repairs. If the burning carpet smell continues despite the smooth flow driving, we highly recommend driving your car to a reliable Sydney auto shop for inspection.
5. Syrup Odour
A sweet odour is typically related to engine coolant leakage. This is a bad sign for your car engine as the coolant heavily depends on the enclosed system proximal to the engine. A leak in your coolant can result in engine overheating. Be careful when opening the radiator. Avoid opening the radiator as this can burn you in the process.
6. Rotten Eggs
The smell of rotten eggs emanating from your car is a clear sign of catalytic converter issues. Your vehicle’s converter is designed to convert gases into a form that is safe to be released into the environment. An unpleasant smell then only signifies that your catalytic converter isn’t working properly.
7. Exhaust Smell in Car Interior
By rule, you should never ignore any type of unusual or unpleasant odour in your car interior. If you do smell exhaust from within the cabin, this is most likely due to exhaust fumes. This can signify a leak in your car’s exhaust system or poor sealing on your window and door systems. Keep in mind that this car smell is dangerous as prolonged exposure to exhaust fumes is detrimental to your health and well-being. It’s best to take your car to a seasoned car mechanic in Sydney to accurately diagnose the problem. This will also ensure your vehicle receives prompt repairs.
8. Musty Smelling Air Conditioning
A sour or musty smell from the air conditioning system is a sign of excessive moisture build-up in your car’s drain lines and air filtration system. In the long run, this musty or sour smell will have a negative impact on your health. Musty smell may be caused by the accumulation of mould or mildew in your car’s air conditioning system. Bring your vehicle to a dependable car mechanic to fix the issue right away.
Do not stress yourself over these unusual smells for longer. Visit HP Automotive for efficient, speedy, and expert car servicing and repair in Sydney. To schedule an appointment, call our direct line on +61 2 9979 8372 today.