Your car may have had a unique smell when you first bought it, and that’s normal. However, burning and foul odors in your vehicle are signs of a need for urgent repair and a health hazard. If you notice a strange, foul smell, you may be dealing with one or more of the following issues that only auto maintenance services can fix.

4 Reasons Your Car Smells

1. Catalytic Converter Issues

If your catalytic converter has stopped working, you will notice a rotten egg scent in your car, which means that the conversion of hydrogen sulfide to sulfur dioxide in your exhaust has failed. Bring your vehicle to an auto maintenance shop and have it replaced. 

2. Exhaust Manifold Leaks

A hot oil odor, accompanied by smoke, may indicate leaks onto your hot exhaust manifold. Oil dripping on your pavement means you have a leaky crankshaft, but exhaust smoke is likely a sign of a leaky valve cover.

3. Overheated Brake Pads

When you use your brake often, you may wear down and overheat your pads, causing you to smell a burned carpet odor. Have an auto maintenance shop inspect your brakes to avoid further accidents. If this happens during regular drives, you either have a dragging brake or an engaged handbrake.

4. Mold & Mildew

When you turn on the air conditioner and get a foul locker-room or gym-sock odor, the evaporator in your air conditioner has been infiltrated by mold and mildew, which can cause your passengers breathing difficulties. Running the fan while the air conditioner is switched off might help dry it out, but a system cleanup is also recommended.

5. Radiator Leaks

Do not be fooled by a sweet maple syrup scent in your car. This can indicate that amounts of the toxic ethylene glycol may be leaking from your radiator or heater hose. Have professionals immediately inspect your car before the heating system seizes up.

Auto maintenance is critical to avoid problems in your vehicle that release foul odors. For your service needs, trust the professionals at Hayworth Auto Repair Inc. For over 45 years, this auto repair shop has been offering top-notch services to High Point, NC, motorists, including oil changes, engine maintenance, and battery replacement. Whether you have problems with your brakes or your car needs body repairs to retain its finest form, their dependable ASE-certified technicians will find the best solution to keep your car on the road. To learn more about their services, check out their website or contact them at (336) 869-3056 if you have any questions.