Possible Reasons for Smell in Your Car

On a usual working day, you call it a day at 6pm and go down to get into your car. As soon as you get inside the car, you notice a strange smell. What are you going to do? There are several reasons behind that smell in your car, and most of them are harmless. However, it is always best to call a towing company for assistance instead of taking the risk of driving a car that smells.
A smell in the car usually hints towards a serious problem in the vehicle. In this article, we have listed down the reasons for the smell in your car.

1. Nail Varnish/Rotten Eggs

The smell of rotten eggs is revolting. If this smell comes from your car, it indicates that the car's catalytic converter may be overheating. Another reason for this kind of smell can be a broken fuel pressure regulator. In some cases, you may observe the smell of nail varnish. Both odors - nail varnish and rotten eggs - indicate that there is something wrong with the catalytic converter.

2. Smell of Gas

If your car smells like gas, you should get out immediately. The smell of gas indicates a gas leak that can be dangerous - and may even lead to fire - if you keep driving your car. In case your car had been parked for a few hours, the best thing to do is to see for signs of a gas leak on the floor.  The most common spots for gas leaks are the fuel pump, fuel injectors, and fuel filter.

3. Rubber Smell

The smell of rubber coming from under the hood is not a good sign. The common reason for this smell is an overheated AC compressor or a melting drive belt. If you drive a manual car, the smell also indicates that it is time for a new clutch.

4. Maple Syrup Smell

No, you didn't leave your morning pancake in your car! Even though the smell of maple syrup is not bad, it still indicates that something is not well with the interior of the car. In most cases, the smell hints at a cooling system leak.

5. Gym Bag Smell

The awful stench of socks in your car can be very discomforting. This smells also hints at a serious problem in your car. The smell of dirty gym socks in the car indicates mold in AC vents or heater. Sounds awful, right? But the good news is that you can get rid of the smell on your own as well. Use an air freshener to neutralize the odor or blast the heaters on high for an extended time to kill the smell.

Summary

The above list will help you identify several problems within your car. In the event your car smells of gas or rubber or nail varnish, it is best to call for assistance. Since an overheated engine can cause big problems, the best bet you have is to not to take risks.