5 Smells That Indicate You Probably Need Auto Repairs
Determining whether or not you need auto repairs depends on your senses. Are there strange noises? Does something not look right? One of the biggest factors in determining that something is not right with your vehicle is smells. Here are five smells that indicate you probably need to have auto repairs done:
- Burnt Oil: If you smell burnt oil, it's typically an indication that there is an oil leak. You will notice this smell because it is thick and heavy. On top of this, when you smell burnt oil, you will probably notice smoke coming from the hood of your car, which obviously means your car need repairs. You should not be driving your vehicle at this point, but instead should have an auto repair mechanic make his or her way to your home or have the car towed to an auto repair shop, like Felix's Auto Repair & Towing.
- Antifreeze: Another distinct smell would be antifreeze, which indicates an antifreeze leak. You will notice this smell because it is strong and smells sweet and you need to have it repaired right away because it means that the antifreeze is not moving through your vehicle as it should to keep your car from overheating.
- Burnt Toast: Obviously, the smell of burnt toast coming from your vehicle doesn't mean that there is actually burnt toast you are dealing with, but instead indicates that you probably have an electrical short. This happens quite commonly for vehicles because the electrical system is so intricate. When you notice this, have it repaired right away to ensure that your vehicle continues to function properly.
- Burnt Rubber: A burnt-rubber smell typically indicates that there is something wrong with your brakes. The brakes could either be overheated or completely worn. You cannot ignore this smell because, if it means your brakes are a problem, then you could have problems braking, especially if you need to brake suddenly, which can lead to an accident.
- Smoke: The smell of smoke in general means that your car might be overheating. At this point, it's best to pull over and wait for the car to cool down. If there is no actual smoke coming from the hood, then you can still drive the vehicle safely, but it should be driven straight to an auto repair shop. If there is smoke, then call to have your car towed to an auto repair shop.
When you know what these five smells probably indicate for your vehicle, you can be sure that it's something you have repaired right away.