Noticing a strange smell in your vehicle when you’re driving can be a cause for alarm. While some bad smells can be easily identified and taken care of, others are indicators that it’s time for a more involved auto repair. Below are five bad odors to watch out for to protect your car. 

Why Does My Car Smell? 

1. Maple Syrup

Maple syrup, while not an unpleasant smell, can be a sign that your vehicle is leaking coolant. You’ll normally notice this smell after a few minutes of the engine running. The leak could be coming from the heater core, radiator, cylinder head, or a failed intake manifold gasket. If these parts are damaged, it can lead to a breakdown. 

2. Musty or Dirty Laundry

If you get a whiff of a musty basement or dirty laundry smell when your air conditioner is on, you’ve likely got mildew built up in the evaporator. An easy fix is to turn off the air conditioner and run your fan on high to dry out the extra moisture.

3. Burning Oil

Burning oil is a smell that is always a cause for concern and can have many culprits. The first step you should take is to check your oil dipstick to make sure that you’re not running low on engine oil. If your oil levels are optimal, this smell could be caused by oil leaking onto the engine block or low transmission fluid. If you can’t identify the problem, you’ll need to bring your vehicle in for an auto repair service.

4. Burning Carpet

If you smell burning carpet, the problem is likely your brakes. Check to make sure that your emergency brake isn’t on. If not, this smell may mean that your brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced.

5. Rotten Eggs

If you smell rotten eggs while driving, it could signal a problem with your catalytic converter. This happens when the converter doesn’t properly process hydrogen sulfide. An auto repair service will be needed to correct this issue.

If you’re experiencing bad odors when you drive your car, bring your vehicle in for a checkup at Griff’s Auto Service in Rochester, NY. This family-owned business has been serving the area for over 30 years and is AAA-approved. Their skilled mechanics can diagnose the bad odors coming from your vehicle and make the necessary repairs. Visit their website to learn more or call them at (585) 227-8700 to schedule an appointment.