8001 Minnetonka Blvd.

952.931.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

6407 West Lake Street

952.922.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

Thank you for choosing D&D Autoworks for your vehicles’ service, maintenance and repair.

Warning Signs Your Nose Can Recognize

by | Feb 17, 2015 | Car Care Tips, Car Radiator, Check Engine Light, Fuel Efficiency

Most vehicles start out with a new car smell, but there are other specific odors that motorists should never ignore. Identifying these suspect smells early on can help car owners be aware and avoid the hassle and expense of an unexpected breakdown. Unusual smells can be the sign of serious, and potentially costly, trouble for your vehicle. By acting quickly and making necessary repairs, you will be able to breathe easy knowing there is no harmful damage to your vehicle. When you smell any peculiar odor, you should not ignore it. Bring the vehicle in so we can inspect it for you. This way parts and components can be inspected to ensure they are working efficiently.

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Burning Rubber Smell

The smell of burnt rubber could be slipping drive belts or misplaced loose hoses that might be rubbing against rotating accessory drive pulleys. Do not reach in if the engine compartment is hot. If you notice this odor, make sure to bring your vehicle in as soon as possible.

Hot Oil Odor

The smell of hot oil could mean that oil is leaking onto the exhaust system. To verify the leak, look for oil on the pavement or smoke coming from the engine area. If the oil leak is not fixed, it can cause further issues to your vehicle.

Noticing the Smell of Gasoline

The smell of gasoline is likely the sign of a gas leak in some area of the vehicle such as a fuel injector line or the fuel tank. Any smell of fuel can result in a possible fire hazard, so immediate attention should be given.

A Sweet Smell

The sweet smell of syrup may be a sign that your car is leaking engine coolant from a leaky component related to the car’s cooling system. Do not open the radiator cap when it is hot. This can lead to burns and can be dangerous. Schedule an appointment to bring the vehicle in so we can inspect the vehicle properly.

An Odor of Burning Carpet

The smell of burning carpet could be a sign of brake trouble and a safety hazard. Have your brakes checked right away, especially if this smell is happening during normal driving conditions. The brakes are an important safety feature that you will need in order for the vehicle to be safe and reliable.

A Smell of Rotting Eggs

The smell of rotten eggs is never a good one and, if you smell it coming from your vehicle, it could mean a problem with your catalytic converter not converting the hydrogen sulfide in the exhaust to sulfur dioxide properly. This smell can also be attributed to a poor running engine, causing the catalytic converter to become overloaded and fail due to meltdown. No matter what odor you notice, it is always best to bring the vehicle in so we can inspect it for the source of the issue. If the smell is ignored, you can end up doing further damage to the vehicle.