Causes of Car Exhaust Odor

Exhaust is something that people don’t often think about. But when it starts producing funny smells, you know something is not right. While it may not seem like a big deal, a damaged exhaust can cause serious issues. It can affect your engine’s power and your car’s overall performance. The problem with exhaust smells is that there is no one definitive cause. You may notice a rotten egg smell, or other times a sweet smell. Each can indicate a different problem. To help you better understand your situation, check out these typical exhaust smells and what they indicate.

Regular Exhaust Smell

Your vehicle’s exhaust system has a wide variety of important purposes. First, it directs exhaust gases from the engine out the back of the vehicle. This prevents emissions from building up inside or in front of the car. Your exhaust also emits its own smell. Normally, this smells somewhat smoky and is easy to tell compared from an unknown odor. If you can smell the exhaust even when your vehicle is inside, you may have an exhaust leak. This can cause serious damage. It’s crucial you have your exhaust system checked by a professional to prevent any further damage.

Gasoline Smell

When your car’s exhaust smells like gasoline, it’s most likely due to a rich air/fuel ratio. This is caused by either too much fuel getting into the combustion or not enough air getting in. Damaged or leaking fuel injectors, a blocked air filter, or a defective mass air flow sensor can all lead to this. These are issues that need attention from a professional sooner rather than later.

Sulfur/Rotten Egg Smell

The smell of rotten eggs or sulfur usually indicates that your vehicle’s catalytic converter is damaged. Typically, as your engine burns fuel, harmful gases such as hydrogen sulfide are produced, which are then passed through a catalytic converter that converts these gases into less hazardous forms. If your catalytic converter isn’t working, this conversion may not happen, resulting in the unpleasant sulfur odor. A damaged catalytic converter not only leaves your car smelling bad, but it also limits overall performance.

Sweet Smell

A sweet smell emitting from your exhaust may appear pleasant, but it is usually an underlying issue with your vehicle. Commonly, due to a broken or damaged head gasket, which allows hot coolant to leak into your exhaust. It is important to address these issues immediately; otherwise, if left unattended, a coolant leak may cause your engine to overheat, potentially damaging your vehicle.

Exhaust Services in Naperville

At Becker Service Center, our ASE-certified technicians utilize specialized knowledge and equipment to diagnose and repair any exhaust system issue quickly. All our exhaust work comes with our outstanding 36-month/36,000-mile nationwide warranty, giving you peace of mind along with a quieter ride. Call us at (630) 983-550 or schedule your appointment online today!