Car Smells and What the Issue Could Be

Bad smells coming from your car are not pleasant. However, they can be indicating that your car has a problem. Depending on the underlying source of the problem, your car can produce various unpleasant smells when something is wrong. Here, we provide some smells you might encounter and what these smells might be telling you.

Burned Rubber

A burning rubber smell may be a sign that there is something wrong with the brakes. The brakes consist of a part called the brake pads, a protective layer that keeps the metal parts on the brakes from hitting each other. When the brake pads wear out, the metal parts grate against each other, causing excess heat and burning rubber smell. An oil leak can also generate a burning rubber smell.

Gym Clothes

The smell of damp gym clothes may occur when you turn on the air conditioning system. If so, it may signify that there is mold or mildew accumulation in the system. Before scheduling a service appointment, try turning on the fan to air out the system. If that doesn't work, our mechanics may need to do a more thorough cleaning.

Burned Carpet

The smell of burned carpet shouldn't be ignored. This odor can be another sign that there is a problem with the brakes. Brake pads that wear out can also produce this smell. You may also notice the odor when you leave the emergency brake engaged while driving or if you've recently used the brakes excessively.

Syrup

A syrup smell might suggest a problem with the coolant fluid. When the car is running, or a few minutes after it's turned off, you may find that the smell is strongest. The coolant fluid leak can stem from several sources, including the radiator or a cylinder head. It's another problem that will need to be addressed by a mechanic.

Sulfur or Rotten Eggs

A sulfur smell can be attributed to a failed catalytic converter. The catalytic converter's inability to process hydrogen sulfide in the exhaust can cause this rotten smell. Major parts of your vehicle can suffer significant damage if the problem isn't corrected by a professional.

If your car doesn't smell quite right and is outputting strange smells, contact our Toyota dealership today for a service appointment. Our well-trained technicians are ready to get your vehicle back on the road, running smoothly and odor-free.