What is the strange smell coming from my car?
Assess the type of smell you are sensing so that you can better judge the cause of the odor. Burning Plastic – Typically caused by a wiring short or electrical fire. Sweet smell – Usually the scent of antifreeze, symptomatic of an engine or cooling system coolant leak. Burnt Toast – Usually an oil leak but could also be burning automatic transmission fluid. Both situations mean a possible leak that needs to be repaired. Diesel Fumes – Most commonly from the outside of the car, meaning your cabin air filter has reached the end of its service life and should be replaced. Carbon Monoxide – This is usually just the smell of exhaust fumes, since carbon monoxide doesn’t have an odor. This designates a leak in your exhaust system and should be addressed immediately. Musty Mildew – Mold and mildew are growing on the air conditioning evaporator and should be cleaned or replaced. Gasoline – A leak in the fuel tank or fuel lines – this is extremely dangerous and could lead to car fires.
