Why Does My Car Smell?
Cars have many internal and external components, and these parts can sometimes cause strange smells to make their way inside your vehicle. While some smells are normal, others indicate that a serious issue may be developing. The following smells should compel you to schedule an appointment with an auto mechanic as soon as possible.
4 Common Car Smells
1. Mold
Mold and mildew arise from moisture, and this moisture can be found within your air conditioning unit. All A/C units in vehicles are equipped with a drain, which can sometimes become blocked. If so, water will collect with nowhere to go and lead to the growth of mold inside your vehicle.
2. Rotten Eggs
Your vehicle’s catalytic converter is a control device that gets rid of toxic elements within the exhaust. A problem with fuel-injection can sometimes cause fuel to block the catalytic converter, which causes the rotten egg smell. The sooner you address this issue, the better the outcome for your catalytic converter. If you wait too long, it may need to be replaced.
3. Burning Plastic
The wiring in your vehicle is surrounded by plastic insulation to protect it from damage. As plastic sheathing wears away, exposed wires can easily make contact and spark a fire. This is a very serious issue and one that should be addressed immediately to prevent a major catastrophe from happening.
4. Hot Oil
Oil on a hot engine produces a harsh smell that is hard to miss. This smell indicates that your vehicle should be assessed by an auto mechanic immediately, as oil leaks are a very serious issue that can lead to a fire. This is especially true if your oil has recently been changed, as it’s likely that the cap or other component wasn’t properly secured.