We’ve probably all had this happen at least once during a drive; we’re cruisin’ on down the road, watching the traffic, humming to the radio or singing with our favorite CD, when suddenly we smell it – a foul odor emitting from our car and rising up through our nostrils like burnt toast or worse yet, rotten eggs. Unfortunately, sudden odors and foul smells generally signal there’s a problem, so don’t roll down the window and hope it eventually goes away, because it wont.  In fact, chances are that unless the source of the odor is verfied and repaired, it will only get worse.

Here are some odors you should be aware of and what they may mean. Keep in mind that if you start to smell a sudden, strong odor and a quick check under the hood doesn’t give you a clue as to the culprit, the best solution is to visit your mechanic as soon as possible.  Remember that most odors and foul smells signal a much needed repair – and the sooner, the better.  To ignore warning smells can greatly impair our overall ability to drive safely and may mean more trouble and costly repairs later on.

Something Smells Like: Rotten Eggs or Sulphur

If you smell this (and when you do, you wont easily forget it because egads – it’s awful!) it generally signals a problem with the catalytic converter, but it can also be a problem with fuel injection.  I’ve also smelled this odor when my heater core went out. 

Something Smells Like: Syrup or Burnt Sugar

This smell often signifies a coolant leak. Since coolant contains ethylene glycol, which may smell sweet but is highly toxic, a faulty radiator leak, a leaky radiator hose, or even a bad manifold gasket can produce this kind of smell. It could also signal a bad heater core, which you’ll want to repair as soon as possible – especially in the winter months.  If the heater core goes bad, not only will your car be without heat, but your defroster will fail to produce any warm air.

Something Smells Like: Gasoline

Definitely not a good smell – or sign at all.  This generally means there’s a gas leak somewhere, perhaps in a fuel injection hose, fuel tank or somewhere else.  If you’re smelling gasoline, you’ll want to take your vehicle in to see your mechanic as soon as possible and avoid driving the vehicle until it’s repaired.

Something Smells Like: Hot or Burning Oil

This usually signals oil that has leaked onto hot portions of the engine. If you have recently put oil in your car and spilled a little bit, this smell is okay and will burn off in a few minutes, however if the smell suddenly occurs or persists, it could mean a leaky seal or something else. The best thing to do is look to see if oil has pooled up underneath your vehicle or is dripping steadily, and if so, it’s time to visit a mechanic.

Something Smells Like: Strong Exhaust Fumes

This usually means there’s a problem with the exhaust system, therefore it should be checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.  Exhaust fumes are dangerous and can make you sick, causing nausea, headaches, feeling light headed or as if you might faint. Strong exhaust fumes can even result in death.  Roll down or crack your window to let in fresh air and make sure all vents are closed.  This is something that requires your immediate attention, so take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible.  

Something Smells Like: Burning or Burnt Rubber

Open the hood and check to make sure all hoses and belts are secure. Sometimes this smell indicates a hose resting on a hot engine or signals a belt which has become loose or is about to break.

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