Drivers urged to never ignore smell that could be causing expensive damage to their car
A motoring parts retailer has shared what causes some of the most common vehicle smells, urging drivers to act quickly to avoid causing costly damage.
The online vehicle components retailer GM Parts Direct has shared a number of smells that can lead to expensive damage if they do not go unresolved.
As the rising cost of motoring bills causes many motorists to put off getting their vehicle repaired, it is important that drivers understand what causes some smells and how they can be fixed.
A spokesperson for GM Parts Direct noted that one of the most common smells found in a vehicle is burning rubber, which could be a sign that there is an issue with the braking system.
They advised: "The most common cause of a burning rubber smell is overheated brakes, which can happen due to frequent hard braking in stop-and-go traffic or driving downhill.
"They can also overheat more easily if the brake pads are worn, so listen out for a grinding noise that can indicate worn brake pads. Pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine if the smell is strong, and visually inspect your tyres and brakes for signs of damage or overheating."
Another popular smell that could highlight a fault in a vehicle is burning plastic, with GM Parts Direct noting a 1,900 percent rise in Google searches in recent months.
According to the company, the smell of burnt plastic often suggests an electrical fault with the car, such as wires that are overheating or a blown fuse.
Drivers who detect this smell should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so, turn off the engine and get the vehicle inspected by a mechanic.
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GM Parts Direct's spokesperson also advised motorists to check for a metallic smell, which may signify that there is a fault with the brakes or engine.
They continued: "A metallic smell coming from your car could be caused by a couple of issues. The first is that your brakes are overheating, and can be a warning sign that they're working too hard and could potentially fail.
"In severe cases, the smell of metal could indicate internal engine issues, like excessive wear on engine components due to low oil levels or a mechanical fault. Ignoring this smell could lead to brake failure or even engine damage, so it's best to seek professional help."
Finally, the motoring expert suggested that an unpleasant rotten egg smell is likely caused by an issue with the catalytic converter, with the vehicle emitting more pollution than it should.
They added: "If you've noticed a smell of rotten eggs, it's often a sign that there's an issue with the fuel system, like a failing catalytic converter. This is part of your car's exhaust system and plays an essential role in reducing harmful emissions, converting pollutants like hydrogen sulphide - which is what produces the eggy smell - into less toxic gasses.
"If it's faulty, it can mean unprocessed hydrogen sulphide can escape into the exhaust. This means you're producing more pollution, reducing engine performance, and potentially damaging other components in your car."