Have you ever been driving and suddenly got a whiff of an unusual smell? Your first instinct may be to check under the seats for fast food remnants or a pair of socks from your last workout session.
However, if you find nothing unusual in the interior, the smell may be coming from your engine. The smell can often indicate the problem, allowing you to find a solution before it becomes a significant issue. Here are a few unusual smells that should concern you and their potential causes.
Sulfur
The scent of sulfur can signify an issue with a fuel system component. For example, if the catalytic converter, fuel filter, or fuel pressure sensors are damaged or worn, a sulfur gas leak can make its way into your car's cabin.
Burning Rubber
A burning rubber smell may result from a worn or loose engine belt. It can also indicate that a power steering or cooling system hose has loosened. Friction from a worn or loose belt or a hose contacting hot engine parts may cause the burning rubber smell.
Burning Plastic
If your car smells like burning plastic, it may be the result of insulation that has worn down or been chewed by an animal. Worn insulation can expose wires which can rub together, produce a short circuit, and even start a fire.
A Sweet Smell
If you smell something sweet after running your engine for a few minutes, it could be a sign of coolant leaking from a cylinder head, a failed intake manifold gasket, or the radiator.
A Strange Smell Could Indicate a Major Issue
While some smells may be nothing, in some cases, if not diagnosed, they could lead to a major issue. You shouldn't ignore signs of trouble, whether an unusual smell or strange noise.
Use our online service scheduler and let the expert technicians at Subaru inspect your car and determine the cause. We might not be able to recreate that new car smell, but we can find the cause of a strange order and ensure that your car is reliable and safe to drive.
