Factors to Consider: Time-based Car Service vs. Mileage Based Service

Car Smells and Reasons That You Should Know About

We've all been there. You're driving along, and suddenly you notice an unpleasant smell coming from your car. It's distracting, and it can be tough to figure out the source of the problem.

There are several different reasons why your car might start smelling bad. It might be something as easy as a spilled beverage or something more serious like an engine oil leak, which needs to be addressed ASAP by a professional auto repair shop in Bixby.

Here are the most common car smells and what they might tell you about your vehicle, so you can take steps before the problem worsens.

5 Car Smells and What They Mean:

1. Rotten Eggs Smell: Catalytic Converter Failure

Does your car smell like rotten eggs? If so, there is a good chance that your catalytic converter is failing. The catalytic converter is an important component of your car's exhaust system and helps convert harmful pollutants into less harmful ones.

If the catalytic converter fails, it can cause a build-up of sulfur dioxide, which smells like rotten eggs. In some cases, the catalytic converter can become so clogged that it needs to be replaced by a professional auto repair near me.

2. Burnt Oil Smell: Engine Oil Leak

If you notice a burnt oil smell while driving, there's likely an oil leak somewhere in your engine, and you should take your car to an oil change service immediately. A small oil leak can quickly become a problem if it's not fixed.

• Low Engine Oil: Naturally, burning oil smells are most often caused by low, failing, and overheating engine oil. Getting your engine's oil changed as soon as feasible is critical to preventing expensive engine damage.
• If your vehicle is overheated: Check the temperature gauge for burning car oil. Is it possible that your automobile is overheating? Overheating engines expose any internal component to potential combustion, including your engine oil.
• Transmission: If your transmission fluid smells burning, it could be a sign that your transmission is overheating. A flush can get rid of the smell and safeguard your transmission.

3. Rubber Burning Smell: Worn-Out Brakes, Tires, or Engine Parts

If your car smells like burning rubber, there are a few potential causes to look into:

• Brakes: When you apply the brakes, they press against the brake rotor, generating heat and friction. Suppose you use your brakes too much (for example, by braking hard and frequently), the heat and wear on your brake pads will worsen, resulting in a burning smell. You must check your brakes at a professional brake pad repair shop as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs.
• Tires: The rubber in your tires can also generate heat and friction with the road surface. Tire wear that has occurred rapidly may give off a burning smell, particularly after harsh driving or if you've been driving on bald tires. You should check your tires at tire shops to see if they need to be replaced.
• Engine: Your car's engine is full of rubber belts, hoses, and other components that can all potentially break down. If one of these components fails, it will cause a burning smell.

4. Sweet Maple Syrup Smell: Failing Radiator 

What about when your vehicle has a sickly sweet odor? Perhaps you're detecting burning maple syrup or butterscotch pudding? A failing radiator is probably the source of this automobile's smells. The radiator fluid in your car is made of ethylene glycol, which has a similar chemical composition to glucose. In other words, sugar can be turned into ethylene glycol.

When your radiator needs to be replaced, this fluid may begin to burn. When ethylene glycol burns, it produces a characteristic sickly sweet odor. In the circumstances like these, get radiator repair as soon as possible from a professional.

5. Internal Car Odors

Car smell is not generally caused by your car; spilled, dropped, or forgotten items that are stinky may leave a lasting scent. If you catch it early enough, a basic cleaning might be able to remove the odor of your automobile. However, if you have set-in odors, the best option is a professional car detailing service that can eliminate all traces of the stench.

Read here to learn essential car maintenance services before a road trip.

Be sure to keep an eye (and nose) out for strange smells coming from your car. If you detect any strange smells from your car, it's important to take action as soon as possible. These smells can indicate a more serious problem; if left unaddressed, they can lead to expensive repairs.

If unsure of what's causing the smell, take your car to a professional mechanic or auto repair shop. They can analyze the problem and recommend the best course of action.