How to Diagnose Car Smells

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An odor in your car may just be an annoyance, but it can also be a sign of car problems. Knowing what different smells indicate will allow you to maintain your car properly and stay safe on the road. The following is a guide on how to diagnose car smells.

Steps

Notice a smell that is similar to maple syrup.

1. 1
   Walk around the outside of the car.

   
   

   • If you notice the smell in this area, this indicates a radiator leak.
2. 2
   Sit on the passenger side of the inside of the car.
   • If you notice the smell in this area, this indicates a bad heater core.
3. 3
   Troubleshoot the smell.
   • Have the heater core or radiator repaired by an auto mechanic.

Notice the smell of gasoline.

1. 1
   Park the vehicle outdoors in the heat or indoors.
   • If you smell gasoline, there is a leak in your vent hose or fuel injection line.
2. 2
   Troubleshoot the smell.
   • Have an auto mechanic repair the leak.

Notice a smell that is similar to a burnt carpet.

1. 1
   Smell the air after you have used the car's brakes extensively.
   • If it smells like a burnt carpet, the brake pads are overheated.
2. 2
   Troubleshoot the smell.
   • Get the brake pads fixed as soon as possible. Driving with bad brakes poses a safety threat to you and other motorists.

Notice a smell that is similar to a locker room.

1. 1
   Turn on the car's air conditioner.
   • If the air that comes out smells like a locker room, this indicates mold and mildew growth inside the vehicle's air-conditioning evaporator.
2. 2
   Troubleshoot the smell.
   • Run the vents without the air-conditioner on. This will help dry out the system.

Notice a smell that is similar to sulfur.

1. 1
   Look for oil stains under the car.
   • If oil stains are present, this indicates a leak in the vehicle's transfer case or differential housing.
2. 2
   Troubleshoot the smell.
   • Take the car to an auto mechanic as soon as possible. This type of leak indicates a serious problem.

Notice a smell that is similar to rotten eggs.

1. 1
   Turn the engine on.
   • If you notice a smell that is similar to rotten eggs, this indicates that something is wrong with the catalytic converter.
2. 2
   Troubleshoot the smell.
   • Have the catalytic converter replaced. It may be covered under your warranty, so check with the dealer to find out more.

Notice the smell of hot oil.

1. 1
   Check for oil stains under the car.
   • This indicates that the vehicle's engine is leaking and burning oil.
2. 2
   Troubleshoot the smell.
   • Lift the hood of your car.
   • Inspect the engine and oil pipelines. Look for spots of wet oil.
   • If you find spots of wet oil, take the vehicle to an auto mechanic to be repaired.

Notice a smell that is similar to a burning newspaper.

1. 1
   Check your car's transmission type.
   • This smell should only occur in cars with a manual transmission.
   • This smell indicates a worn clutch.
2. 2
   Troubleshoot the smell.
   • Purchase a clutch and install it yourself or have an auto mechanic do it.
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