A CAR IS an extension of its owner. And in the same way we take the time to shower every day, we should also look after our cars and give it the same amount of care.
But sometimes, we take our car’s smell for granted. Beyond the stigma of having a smelly ride, your car’s odor might be an indication of a much bigger problem. Here are four common smells you may encounter inside your car, and a few tips on how you can fix them.
- Burning smell
If you can detect a burning smell from inside your cabin, your brakes are probably the culprit. It could mean that either your pads or rotors are worn out or misaligned, causing unnecessary friction. If you drive a manual transmission, a burning smell could indicate a problem with your clutch.
Regularly checking your brake pads and going for your scheduled maintenance service would detect such issues long before they become a problem.
- Wet or damp smell
Does it seem like you’re in a sewer while you’re driving? That funny smell might have something to do with your air-conditioner. Condensation build-up in your A/C can cause mold and mildew to grow, hence the damp smell.
This means that you need to get your A/C system cleaned. Here’s a temporary solution: drive for a bit with the A/C off but with the fan on high to dry out the system.
- Sweet smell
Maple syrup smells good, but it’s not so promising when the scent is coming from your car. A sweet smell indicates a problem with your engine’s coolant. A coolant leak can cause more problems, like overheating.
Check underneath your car for the source of the leak. If you can’t find it outside, check the passenger footwell, which is a common area for coolant leaks.
- Burning oil smell
A burning smell emanating from your car is never a good sign. If it smells like motor oil, then it’s very likely that you have a leak that’s getting onto other parts of your car. If it hits the exhaust system, it could cause some thick blue smoke to start sputtering out. Find the leak and get it fixed ASAP.
If you’re the type who likes to keep your car clean and smelling fresh every time you drive, you’ll love Glade Plug-Ins. As the first electric car freshener in the country, the device runs via electricity from your car’s 12V power outlet and lasts longer. Its gray and black casing blends well with your car’s tasteful interiors. Glade Plug-Ins are available in Lavender, New Car, and Floral Perfection scents. (Top Gear Philippines)
