Car Smells and What the Issue Could Be

While your car can't tell you exactly what is wrong, it sometimes has ways of indicating a problem. One is that it will start to produce unusual and often unpleasant odors. When you notice a strange smell, it's always a good idea to visit our Nissan service center for an accurate diagnosis. But in the meantime, we can share some clues as to what may be the culprit.

Burned Rubber

The smell of burning rubber can be traced to a few possible causes. One is the brakes. The brakes will start to develop an odd smell when they wear out. Most often, the burning rubber smell indicates that the brake pads are wearing too thin, causing friction and the smell of burning rubber. Leaking oil can also produce the smell of burning rubber when it leaks onto a hot exhaust pipe after the engine has been running.

Gym Clothes

If your car smells like dirty gym clothes, you may have a dirty air conditioning system. The vehicle may start to make this odd smell when the air conditioning system gets damp and doesn't have a chance to dry out. Condensation causes mold and mildew to grow. You can try to alleviate the problem by letting the fan run, but avoid turning on the A/C itself. This process will dry out the system.

Burned Carpet

The burning carpet scent is associated with a brake problem. Sometimes, it's an easy fix. The problem may be caused by driving around with the hand brake or emergency brake engaged. It can also be caused by heavy use of the brakes. The burning carpet smell can also mean that the brake pads are worn.

Syrup

A sweet, syrup-like smell can indicate a coolant fluid leak. The coolant fluid leak can be caused by several issues, including a leak from the radiator, the cylinder head, or a failed intake manifold gasket. If the smell seems strongest inside the car, it may be a problem with the heater core.

Sulfur or Rotten Eggs

The smell of rotten eggs is usually not good. It often indicates a problem with the catalytic converter, which can break down if it is not fixed. If you notice this smell, contact us immediately for repairs.

If your car makes any of these strange smells, be sure to contact our Nissan dealership for an expert diagnosis and repairs.