Car Smells and What the Issue Could Be

There are different types of car smells, which can make it for an uncomfortable drive. The most serious ones are those that are evident in the passenger's compartment. Therefore, it is wise to seek expert advice if your vehicle is in such a situation. Here, we are happy to share some of the most common car smells and what they mean for your car's health.

Burned Rubber

The smell of a burned rubber in the car cabin may be due to several problems. One of the most popular amongst all is the friction in the car drive belt. The burning odor may also be caused by leaking oil, which may call for a mechanic's urgent attention.

Burned Carpet

It is true to say that the smell of a burned carpet is exceptionally annoying and irritating. This smell can be the effect of the brakes overheating after using them extensively for some time. Worn brake pads can also cause this kind of smell.

Gym Clothes

Have you ever noticed that locker room smell coming through the vents? The culprit here is the air conditioning system whereby mildew grows in the A/C evaporator. You can try to turn off the A/C unit when you are one mile away from your home and then run the fan to dry out the entire system. If that doesn't work, a good mechanic may need to clean out the whole system.

Syrup

The syrup smell is sweet but toxic. It is attributed to leaking coolant fluid somewhere. You'll typically notice this smell when your car is running or some minutes after it has stopped. This leak may come from various sources, and thus a mechanic is the only option to help you identify it. It could be from the cylinder head, heater, or the radiator hose. A damaged radiator cap or a radiator can also leak, causing a maple syrup scent.

Sulfur or Rotten Eggs

The smell of rotten eggs in your car is always evident when your vehicle runs, and one most likely cause is the hydrogen sulfide in the exhaust system. This smell is contributed by sulfur in the vehicle's gasoline, which is delayed in converting to sulfur dioxide.

Our well-trained service experts are always prepared to assess your automotive needs. If you notice any of the above smells, contact us or visit our Mercedes-Benz dealership for repairs.