Contents
Brand new cars roll off the dealer lot with an intoxicating bouquet of aromas—leather upholstery, fresh carpet, and a mélange of plastics. Real enthusiasts can sit blindfolded in a new vehicle and identify the smell, like a fine wine.
New Fords, Chevys, BMWs, and Audis each have their signature scent. Yet, as the years roll by, vehicles can take on other less desirable smells. We get used to them, but odors can indicate a problem that needs to be solved.
With that in mind, eBay Motors proudly offers this big list of small smells. Follow your nose, and you can usually find the source and eradicate the odors with a simple DIY solution.
Smell burning oil? The fix could be checking or replacing the oil-filler cap.
My Car Smell Like Burning Oil
A burning oil smell usually indicates that your vehicle’s engine is leaking oil on something hot. The most common problem is a loose or faulty oil filler cap. Or it could be a leaky valve cover gasket. Take a look under the hood, and under where the car is parked, for signs of leaking oil.
Swapping out the filler cap is a snap, and valve cover gasket replacement is an everyday DIY chore. Change the cap or gasket, mop up the oil, and you’re good to go.
My Car Smell Like Burning Plastic
A burning plastic smell can indicate a wiring issue. Please take this seriously because it can result in a fire. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Have your mechanic look over the vehicle immediately.
The burning rubber could be an engine belt. That’s easy to replace.
My Car Smell Like Burning Rubber
Burning rubber odors are most often caused by melting engine belts or hoses. When you smell burning rubber, it’s time to pull off the road to a safe place and pop the hood.
While you might not see smoke, you should take a few moments to sniff around. The intensity of the smell can lead you to the source.
Why Does My Car Smell Like Cigarettes?
If you recently bought a previously owned vehicle, you may have inherited the lingering effect of the previous owner’s nasty habit. This horrid characteristic is one reason why “smoker’s cars” have less value on the resale market. Getting rid of that cigarette smell can be frustrating, but it’s not impossible.
Speed up the process with an air freshener, deodorizer, or plug-in air purifier.
Why Does My Car Smell Like Crayons?
Do you get a whiff of Crayola? It could simply be European adhesives.
If your car smells like crayons, it’s most likely an Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, or Volvo. German and Swedish automotive manufacturers use unique adhesives and insulating foam that emit this not-so-nice aroma.
The crayon is a nostalgic smell for some folks, bringing back fond childhood memories. But most drivers will want to deploy an air freshener or purifier.
Why Does My Car Smell Like Exhaust Fumes?
When you smell exhaust fumes in your vehicle’s cabin, there’s a good chance that you have an exhaust leak. If the odor is accompanied by an exhaust note that seems louder than usual, you found your culprit. If you hear an unfamiliar ticking noise coming from the front of the vehicle, that’s a big hint.
Exhaust leaks can be dangerous. Passengers should not get any whiff of engine exhaust. You’ll likely need to pay a visit to a shop that can replace the faulty section of pipe or, worst case, replace the entire exhaust.
Why Does My Car Smell Like Fish?
Your coolant might the source of a fishy smell. We know, it’s weird.
Did anybody recently bring fish in the car? After you rule out that possibility, then perhaps you have a coolant leak. While some engine coolants smell sweet, other coolant blends smell fishy. Go figure.
Look for leaks. Or consider changing out your coolant with one that as a nicer scent. See our article: Regularly Check These Four Car Fluids.
My Car Smell Like Gas
If your vehicle smells like gasoline, you should immediately get to a safe place, shut off the ignition, and get out of the cabin. These smells can indicate leaking gasoline, which can lead to a fire.
Park the vehicle in a safe place and shut the engine down, ASAP. If you subscribe to a roadside assistance program, call to ask for advice. The vehicle may need to be towed.
My Car Smell Like Rotten Eggs
Rotten egg or sulfur smells usually indicate a catalytic converter issue. While you can save some catalytic converters with a cleaning process, others may be too far gone and need replacement. Start by reading this: Try a Catalytic Converter Cleaner Before an Expensive Repair.
If you still smell rotten eggs, have your mechanic look at the vehicle, without delay, to avoid a costly replacement.
My Car Smell Like Maple Syrup
A kit of coolant hoses and clamps.
A sweet maple syrup smell usually indicates an engine coolant leak. Look for puddles of antifreeze near all coolant hose connections and under the vehicle. Antifreeze can be yellow, green, or orange, depending on the car make.
Once you find the leak, check if there’s a loose connection. Coolant hoses should get replaced with regular maintenance. Check your owner’s manual for the service interval. To be safe, swap out the hoses early.
My Car AC Smells Like Mildew and Mold
If your car smells like mildew, mold, vinegar, or even feet, it’s most likely a clogged drain in the HVAC system. You should unclog the drain and disinfect the system thoroughly. Start by reading this post: 6 Easy Tips To Remove a Bad Smell from Your Car’s Heat and Air Conditioning.
If you took all of those steps and the hideous musty smell persists, check to see if your little brother has his shoes on.
My Car AC Smells Smell Like Nail Polish Remover
A nail polish smell usually indicates leaking freon in the air conditioning system. If you smell an acetone-like odor, open the windows to allow the vehicle to air out. Then, take it to your mechanic or an HVAC repair specialist.
From now on, establish a firm rule for passengers: Nobody is allowed to apply nail polish in the car.
Why Does My Car Smell Like Pee?
Get busy with an upholstery cleaning kit.
Urine is one of the most disgusting and frustrating automotive odors. If your vehicle smells like pee, you may have rodent issues. You’ll see visible evidence of these unwanted pests on the carpet. The pee smell will likely permeate a vehicle’s carpet and upholstery.
Remedying the situation takes a fair bit of effort. Start the process with the purchase of an upholstery cleaning kit. Use as directed.
Why Does My Car Smell Like Propane?
Propane smells can be hard to track down. Dead critters may cause some of these odors. Others can be the result of a bad catalytic converter or leaking differential. When differential fluid contacts a scorching hot surface, like an exhaust manifold, it can result in a propane-like smell. You’ll need to get underneath the vehicle to track this down. The best place to do that is from a lift.
Why Does My Car Smell Like Skunk?
Skunk smells are repulsive. If your car smells like a skunk, you probably ran over roadkill or your car was sprayed. To be blunt: Skunk guts linger. So if you have a dead skunk lodged in a wheel well or grille, don a hazmat suit (or the closest thing you have), put on gloves, grab brushes, and remove any evidence of an unfortunate encounter. Spray down the area with a mixture of soap and vinegar, let it sit a bit, then rinse with a high pressure hose.
