Unusual Car Smells That Means Your Car Needs Checking

Drivers have been warned that unusual smells from their cars could mean serious engine, brake, or clutch issues. Motoring experts have named the five strange car smells that could indicate a problem with the vehicle, including fruity sweet scents, rotten eggs and burning carpet.

A sweet smell may seem pleasant but might indicate the coolant fluid is leaking, meaning the car engine could soon overheat.

Rotten egg smells inside vehicles may lead to harmful substances entering the car because the catalytic converter isn’t working.

Smells of burning carpet may indicate that the brake pads are worn out or have become misaligned.

Tim Alcock, motoring expert at LeaseCar.uk, said: “There are several smells that might be coming from your car, which may indicate a severe problem with essential parts of your vehicle.

“After identifying the smell and what it could mean, it’s essential to get the issue checked out with a mechanic as soon as possible to prevent any further problems or run the risk of ruining your car and putting yourself and others in danger.

“A fruity sweet smell may be deceiving as it can be pretty pleasant, but this could indicate a leak within the engine cooling system, leading to engine overheating.

“Musty smells coming from inside your car could mean a water leak, which increases the chances of mould and mildew build-up, so it’s best to check the seals on the windscreen, boot, and doors are water-tight.

“Another unusual smell to watch out for is burning carpet – this is likely a sign of an issue with the brakes.”

Here Are the Five Unusual Smells in Your Car Which Is a Sign Something Is Wrong:

1. Rotten Egg Smell

A foul smell of egg inside the car likely means an issue with the catalytic converter. It implies harmful exhaust substances could be coming into your vehicle because the converter is not working to convert the dangerous exhausts.

2. Fruity Sweets

A sweet smell from your vehicle may seem quite pleasant, but it could be a leak from the engine’s cooling system. If the coolant fluid is leaking, then you run the risk of letting the engine overheat.

3. Burning Carpet

A smell of burning carpet may indicate an issue with the brakes. The brake pads could be worn out, overheating, or something has become misaligned. It’s essential to get this checked out immediately.

4. Musty Smell

A musty smell inside of your car could mean that there is a leak and water that has accumulated is letting off an unpleasant scent. Areas where water can build up and lead to a smell are likely on seals such as the windscreen, doors, boot and bonnet.

5. Burning Paper

While driving and changing gears, if there is a smell of burning paper, it could be a sign that the clutch is slipping. This is more likely if the driver likes riding the clutch and not taking their foot off.