What's That Odor? Four Car Smells You Should Never Overlook
From a strange clanking noise every time you shift to a bizarre grinding that happens when you press on the brake, you know how to diagnose any problem with your car purely by the sound. However, there will be other times when your nose will come in far handier than your ears. Here are four common car issues that you can diagnose by their smell:
The Sweet Smell of Maple Syrup
The smell of sweet maple syrup is amazing on a Sunday morning while you're enjoying breakfast. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said when the smell is coming from your car. If you smell something sweet that resembles syrup while you're driving or parked, it is a sign of a coolant leak.
The sweet smell is actually ethylene glycol, which is a toxic component of antifreeze. The leak can be coming from anywhere in the coolant system. Typically, if the smell of maple syrup is very strong in your vehicle's cab, the heater core is failing. If the smell is stronger near the front of your vehicle, it could be a leaky hose or broken radiator.
If your car is leaking antifreeze, it is vital to find the source immediately. In addition to causing your car to overheat, an antifreeze leak can be dangerous for your pets. According to the Humane Society of the United States, even a small amount of antifreeze can be deadly to your pets and since it's an inherently sweet substance, they'll be more tempted to ingest it.
The Smell of Burning Paper
If your vehicle features a manual transmission, there is an odor you should learn to recognize: the smell of burning newspaper. The surface of your vehicle's clutch is covered with a paper like product. When there is too much friction, the paper product begins to breakdown. If this continues, the clutch will fail completely.
If you smell burning newspaper when you're driving, and especially when you shift, it is vital to have your vehicle examined immediately. The issue might be as simple as your driving style. Learning how to properly use the clutch to shift your vehicle can help alleviate the issue. In some cases, however, the smell might be a sign your clutch needs to be completely replaced.
The Smell of Burning Carpet
The odor of burning carpet is a sign that there is a problem with your brakes. If you only notice the problem while you're driving down a series of steep hills, chances are the issue is temporary and caused by the overuse of your brakes. However, if you notice the problem while you're driving on a flat surface, the issue might be more serious.
The first place to check is your hand brake. If the hand brake is engaged, it can cause this telltale burning carpet smell. However, if this isn't the issue, chances are the burning smell is caused by a seized brake caliper piston. This is a potentially dangerous issue that needs to be fixed right away. Visit a site like http://www.advancedautocareca.com for more suggestions on diagnosing brake repair.
The Smell of Rotten Eggs
If you notice the smell of rotten eggs while your car is running, chances are the problem is a leaking catalytic converter. It's the job of your vehicle's catalytic converter to reduce the emissions of three dangerous compounds that are found in exhaust: carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons.
The smell of rotten eggs could mean there is a problem with the catalytic converter, or you have an issue with your vehicle's engine. Either way, it is vital to have your vehicle serviced immediately to prevent the release of toxic emissions.
From the smell of burning carpet to the distinct odor of rotten eggs, your vehicle will emit several odors that can be a sign of trouble. If you notice any of the above-mentioned odors, have your vehicle checked by a mechanic right away.
