Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs – Smells
No, I am not talking about the signs on the side of the road, we are talking about the signs and signals your car sends out. Quite often these are a cry for help; ignore them at your own peril.
Strange Smells
When you have had your car for a while, it becomes like part of your family, and you get used to all its little quirks and can sense anything different. But one day you might be driving along and a strange smell wafts past your nostrils. Now, if you haven’t got your window open and inhaled the fumes of the big truck going past, it might be a good time to think about other causes.
If your car smells musty, it’s quite likely water has got in somewhere, and if it’s come in through an open window or leak somewhere you could have a slowly rotting carpet and end up with a rusted floor into the bargain. To fix the problem pull out the carpets and dry them and any other water you find inside.
Smelling smoke is never a good sign. If you think it’s electrical, switch your car off as soon as you safely can, check under your bonnet and disconnect your battery. A good suggestion at this point is to ring an automobile mechanic, you need help, and there are mobile services that can come to your rescue. Just make sure you always have a contact number close to hand.
If you can smell fuel, and it’s not because you got it on your hands when filling the car, this can happen when an overflow has occurred or your fuel tank vents get blocked. Oil smells are quite distinctive, and often happen when you spill oil on the engine, and it burns off when the engine is running. But your oil could be burning because it’s old or overheated.
When burning rubber permeates the air, check that you haven’t left your brakes on, or that your tyres aren’t overheating.
All strange smells, except possibly your newest car deodoriser should be checked out; else they might be costing you money down the track. If in doubt talk to your automobile mechanic.