Motorists may detect an unusual odor coming from their vehicles, yet the source and cause may be difficult to determine. However, this is one of the many ways that convey that a vehicle needs to be inspected urgently. These odors could be hinting at a malfunction in the car or a serious flaw in the technical make up of the car. In any case, such odors are warning signs that must never be ignored.
Recognizing and identifying these odors can help you make timely repairs on your car which would prevent costly car maintenance in the long run. When it comes to car care, preventative maintenance on a regular basis is the best measure you can take. Therefore, if you detect a strange odor coming from your car, take your car to a certified auto mechanic who can inspect the level of car damage. By making the necessary repairs at the right time, you will have the peace and reassurance that there is no harmful damage to the car. Moreover, swift maintenance can preserve the value of your car for a long period of time.
Given below is a quick guide on 5 common car odors that car owners should be aware of.
Burning Rubber
If you notice a burning rubber smell coming from the vehicle, pay attention to the timing. Heavy usage of brakes, especially when driving on hilly or mountainous areas could cause the smell. The odor is temporary if it’s brakes-related but if it isn’t, there could be a more serious issue with brake pads.
Alternatively, the smell of burning rubber can also indicate that hoses or drive belts are rubbing against rotating pulleys. The persistent smell may indicate a serious problem in the engine compartment. If a drive belt has worn out, it can cause a lingering burning smell. In such a case, it is important to get your car checked by an auto mechanic to prevent a more costly car repair.
Burning Oil
The smell of gasoline or hot oil can also indicate the need for a major repair. A burning oil smell indicates that there is an oil leak. The leak may be in the vent hose or fuel injection line. This means that there is excess fuel consumption that can increase fuel expense. In addition to this, a highly flammable substance like fuel leaking is dangerous to leave unchecked.
Alternatively, the oil leak may be coming from the hot exhaust manifold. In this case, motorists can find oil spots on the ground beneath the car with more smoke coming from the exhaust. Car owners should check the oil level to see if it’s low and fill the engine oil if necessary.
Sweet Syrup
A sweet syrup smell can indicate a problem with the cooling system of the vehicle. The smell may be coming from the engine coolant which could be leaking from a hose or radiator. It’s highly advised to check the coolant level because if the coolant level gets too low, the engine is at the risk of overheating. Motorists should take their car to an auto mechanic as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to the engine and cooling system.
Rotten Eggs
The smell of rotten eggs can be due to a variety of car problems. The rotten egg smell is the odor of sulfur and may be caused by a faulty fuel injector. On the other hand, the smell can also be caused by the catalytic converter which indicates a serious problem within the car’s engine. When the catalytic converter doesn’t convert hydrogen sulfide into sulfur dioxide properly, the car may emit a horrible, rotten egg smell. Consequently, the catalytic converter gets overloaded and fails to perform its functions. To prevent a costly repair, it is advised to get your car evaluated by an auto mechanic.
Burning carpet
The smell of burning carpets indicates that there is a serious problem with the braking system of the vehicle. Brakes are a critical safety feature of the car that maximise occupant safety and help save lives in case of a dangerous road accident. Motorists should get their brakes tested immediately if they detect a strong smell of fabric and carpet burning.
Unpleasant Smell from the Air-conditioner
Fungus, mold, and bacteria grow at a rapid pace in small, moist and enclosed spaces like a vehicle’s cooling system. If the odor coming from the air-conditioner is strong and unpleasant, the cause may be bacterial or fungal growth. To prevent this odor, car owners can purchase anti-bacterial and anti-fungal products that can be applied directly to the air-conditioner’s vent system to remove the current growth. For a long-term solution, car owners should have their air-conditioning system inspected and repaired by an auto mechanic.
When is the Right Time to Sell a Used Car?
A well-maintained car remains reliable for a long time and delivers optimum performance for several years. Car maintenance involves frequent check-ups and major repairs for any outdated systems in the car. However, as a car ages, its maintenance becomes more expensive with many of its essential systems becoming more prone to wear and tear. It is recommended to do a thorough cost-benefit analysis of every repair before you decide to go through with it. Car owners should consider upgrading to a new vehicle if the maintenance costs for the vehicle exceeds the car’s resale value. Therefore, selling an old car and upgrading to a new vehicle at a suitable time can help prevent financial loss for car sellers.
How to Sell Your Old Car for a Fair Price in the UAE?
Car sellers who want to sell their cars at a precise and fair price should consider availing the services of a specialist car buying company. SellAnyCar.com is a professional car buying company in the UAE that offers reliability, comprehensive car evaluation and a guaranteed purchase of every car regardless of its make, model and condition.
Car owners have to fill out an online evaluation form to get an introductory estimate for the resale value of the vehicle, followed by an on-site inspection of the vehicle by the automotive experts of the company. After the evaluation, a final price is offered to the seller. If the deal is successful, the car is immediately purchased by the company. The payment against the value of the vehicle is done through an electronic bank transfer and the entire process takes just 30 minutes. This is how car sellers can sell their car to SellAnyCar.com in a safe, convenient, and hassle-free way.
If you are looking to sell your used car to buy a new one with advanced safety features and improved performance, then don’t forget that with us, you can sell any used car in just 30 minutes while all the post-sale paperwork is handled by SellAnyCar.com’s team.