Have you ever been riding in your car and noticed an unusual smell? Or perhaps you turned on the heat or AC for the first time in a while and you smell something coming out of the vents. We spend a lot of time in our cars and doing so with an unpleasant odor is not, well, pleasant. Here are some things you may smell that should prompt a visit to your auto mechanic.
Rotten Eggs
If you’re driving and smell rotten eggs, roll your windows down immediately. This could be a potentially dangerous smell. You may have a problem with the exhaust system that’s somehow leaking exhaust fumes into your vehicle. The other common cause of this smell is old transmission fluid. No matter the reason, it will require a professional diagnosis and repair.
Burning Rubber
This is one of the worst smells and could mean one of a few things. Most often it has to do with a slipped belt that got overly hot. Because rubber melts when it gets too hot, your belt can’t work as it should. If it snaps while it’s operating, it could damage other parts of your engine. This is one smell that requires prompt attention from a qualified auto mechanic.
Gasoline
We’ve all accidentally gotten gas on our shoes or clothes while pumping gas but if the smell isn’t right after filling up, there might be a problem. If you’ve just filled up, roll your windows down and see if the smell goes away. If it doesn’t, there may be a problem with your injector system or fuel tank.
Musty Smell from Your Vents
Moisture can be an issue in Tampa anytime. However, if you’re noticing a musty smell when you run your car’s fan and AC, you might need a simple fix like a new air filter or something more substantial like water in your drain lines. Check your air filters (most cars have a cabin one and one in the engine compartment) and replace if either requires it. If the smell doesn’t go away, you likely have a more serious issue that needs attention.
Burning Hair or Burning Carpet Smell
This often means your brakes need attention. You’ll want to take your car to your auto mechanic or brake shop for an inspection. Driving with worn or faulty breaks can lead to an accident and much more expensive problem.
Regular maintenance can often stave off all these issues. If you don’t have a trusted auto mechanic, call Oldsmar Automotive. We’ve been serving Oldsmar and the surrounding areas with our expert services, fair pricing and quality work for years and would love to be your one call for all your car repair needs. Reach us at (727) 784-3501 or stop by 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar.
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