Car Smells and What the Issue Could be

When your vehicle isn't working properly, you're going to be alerted of the issue by something like an abnormal sound, feeling, or smell. Since you're the person that drives your vehicle most frequently, you must keep an eye out for these issues. When you spot something, make an appointment with Van Buick GMC right away. Our technicians will diagnose the problem, provide repairs, and get you back on the road quickly. All the work will be done right the first time, so you don't have to worry about coming back again and again for the same problem. Wondering what that smell is? Let's take a look at the most common vehicle smells and what they mean.

The Smell of Burning Rubber

When your brake pads need to be replaced because they're wearing down quickly or they're at their end of life, this can cause a burning rubber smell. Your engine's gasket could also have a breached seal that's causing the smell of burning rubber. There could even be an issue with the current tread condition of your tires. This is a smell you should have a professional diagnosis.

Stinky Gym Clothes

If you are frequently driving children around in your vehicle, there's probably a bit of a stinky gym clothes smell coming from your trunk or back seat. Baking soda can make quick work of an odor that's seeped into your upholstery. You can also spray a diluted vinegar mixture on your interior. Just be sure to spot test an area before you spray it all over the place. Try to remove garbage, clothing, and other items from your vehicle before the smell sets in. However, if it's not odor lingering in your upholstery, it may be mold or mildew growth in the A/C evaporator causing the gym clothes smell.

Rotten Eggs or the Smell of Sulfur

Don't ignore the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs. The most common reason for this smell is a problem with your catalytic converter or emissions system. You're not filtering out your engine's exhaust properly, and this is causing a bad smell that will present itself when your engine is running.

Sweet Syrup Smell

This might not be the worst smell in the world, but it's not a normal smell unless you have pancakes in the car with you. Look for problems with your cooling system if you smell something sweet or syrupy. Your antifreeze could be low, or you could have a leak. Our certified service experts can also check for things like heater and defroster malfunctions.

To receive assistance with an abnormal smell when your vehicle is running, make an appointment with Van Buick GMC at your nearest convenience. Our location in Scottsdale is ready to help you diagnose and repair your vehicle's issues in a timely fashion. We want to make sure that you're riding around in a safe, reliable, and functional automobile.