When it comes to auto repair and maintenance on your vehicle, be on the lookout for any strange or new smells that are coming along while you are driving. This awareness can save you from auto repair problems when you’re on the road, or prevent larger repairs from happening. Here is a checklist of car odors to be aware of while driving. Many require you to call a tow truck and let a professional handle your auto repair needs.
Fresh asphalt, burnt toast, or burnt rubber: It could be a sign of a severely overheated engine. This smell means that the components under the hood are melting. This could simply be overheated plastic parts or hoses. But the worst case scenario could mean damage to the motor’s wiring, which could lead to an electrical malfunction. If that happens, a chain reaction can occur, causing the engine to get hotter and hotter until it stalls completely. Stop driving immediately and raise the hood, but do not shut off the engine, to allow it to cool. This can also lead to other issues listed below. See a licensed mechanic as soon as possible.
Burnt Coolant – Indicates a head gasket leak that allows coolant or antifreeze to mix with gasoline in the engine. Thick white smoke will come out of the muffler, which will smell like coolant. The blown gasket is deep inside the engine and requires a complete engine overhaul. Visit a licensed auto repair shop.
Exhaust – This can be a sign of a hole in the muffler, tailpipe, exhaust manifold, or tailpipe. While not a major concern, this can cause problems with car exhaust inspections. Once again, it may be time for a professional.
Hot Oil – The engine can leak and boil or burn in the engine. Check the oil cap on top of the engine to see if it is loose. If not, see a licensed mechanic, as a small oil leak will reduce engine lubrication over time.
Raw Gas: First, fully secure the gas cap and check for gasoline under the car. Your fuel injector lines may be leaking or you may have a broken gas line in the engine bay. Don’t risk starting the car. You are going to need the car repaired by a professional, so it is better that you take the car to a technician.
Rotten Eggs: This one is weird. When combined with a loss of power when driving, this indicates a broken catalytic converter or an overly rich air-fuel mixture. Call a mechanic, as this means catalytic muffler replacement, a mechanical adjustment, or could be a sign of an electrical malfunction.
When faced with repairing any of the above problems, remember this: that in any business, there are honest and trustworthy mechanics, and there are those who will try to foot the bill by scaring you into unnecessary repairs. Choose a shop with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified mechanics. Please describe the problem as clearly as possible or take a test drive with an auto care specialist and point out the problem. Arm yourself with a little knowledge, don’t succumb to pressure, and be willing to ask questions. After all, it’s still your car, and you’re in charge of caring for your car.