As a driver, it’s important to be aware of the components inside and outside of your vehicle. Some people only think about their exhaust if there’s an unusual smell. If they can decipher what a unique smell even is. Identifying exhaust smells are essential to safe driving. Being aware allows you to seek immediate professional attention before a problem becomes worse. Below are four familiar exhaust smells and what they may mean.
Normal Exhaust Smell
You can’t expect the exhaust to smell like a bed of roses. A healthy exhaust has a smoky, musty smell near the pipe. The exhaust is made up of harmful toxins such as carbon monoxide. The scent is easily identifiable but shouldn’t be noticeable inside the cabin. If you notice an exhaust smell inside your vehicle, there may be an exhaust leak. You should immediately stop driving and have your car towed to your trusted mechanic.
A Sweet Smell
Sweet-smelling exhaust fumes can seem more pleasant but can indicate a problem. Any damage to the head gasket can cause hot coolant to leak into the exhaust. Coolant is a sweet-smelling fluid, and once it makes contact with the engine can emit a thick smoke from the tailpipe. While the exhaust smell may seem better, coolant leaks can lead to the engine overheating.
A Gasoline Smell
If the exhaust smells like gasoline, either too much fuel or too little air is getting into the vehicle’s combustion chambers. A rich air/fuel ratio can be caused by damaged fuel injectors, a dirty air filter, or other various problems. If the exhaust smells like gasoline accompanied by black smoke seeping from the tailpipe, have your vehicle inspected.
Rotten Egg Smell
If your vehicle’s catalytic converter is damaged, the exhaust can smell like distinct rotten eggs or sulfur. The catalytic converter takes various gases, such as sulfur. It converts gases into less toxic forms. If the catalytic converter is damaged, the conversion process is disrupted. Sulfur smells like rotten eggs and, without the conversion process, becomes more apparent. Seek your expert automotive technician’s advice because damage to the catalytic converter can reduce engine performance and increase pollution. In severe cases, it can also cause your vehicle to fail an emission test.
Unusual Vehicle Exhaust Smell in Las Vegas, NV
If you notice an unusual exhaust smell and you’d like to have your vehicle inspected, click here to schedule an appointment or reach out to one of our friendly service advisors at one of our three locations for more information.