Teach Your Nose to Recognize These Six Vehicle Warning Signs  

When you purchase your new vehicle it comes with a “new car smell”. However there are smells more specific that a car owner should know about to avoid the hassle and expense of a breakdown.

 Odors from your vehicle may be a sign of serious trouble, and possibly the potentiality of a costly repair. Catching that odd odor and acting quickly by having your vehicle checked out immediately you may save your car from more damaging repairs such as a blown engine.

 Here are the six warning smells:

 1 - The smell of gas is usually associated with a gasoline leak such as a fuel injector line, or the gas tank. This could result in a possible fire hazard so bring your vehicle in immediately. If you see leaking gas do not start the car, call for a tow.

 2 - The smell of burnt hot oil could mean that oil is leaking from several possible places such as a gasket needing replaced or a leaky oil pan. Look for smoke coming from the engine and also look for oil on the ground. Bring the vehicle in soon.

 3 - The odor of rotten boiled eggs coming from your vehicle is usually a problem with your catalytic converter. Bring your car in soon.

 4 - A sweet syrupy smell could be a sign your engine is leaking coolant. Do not touch the engine or try to take off the radiator cap off when the vehicle is hot. If your car is running hot stop and give us a call.  

 5 - Burning carpet smell could be a sign of brake trouble. This could be a safety hazard. Have your brakes checked immediately especially if this odor happens during normal driving conditions. Bring your car in immediately.

 6 - The smell of burning rubber could be anything from drive belts, frozen pulleys or a loose hose rubbing against a moving part of the engine. This needs to be checked out soon.

If you smell a strange odor coming from your car, don’t ignore it. Bring your car into ToyoTechs as soon as possible.

Information provided by the Car Care Council