THE NOSE KNOWS
Here are a few tips that your nose can tell you quicker than your eyes can when your car is in trouble.
BURNING RUBBER – If it’s coming from under the hood, something that is rubber (a hose, for example) could be loose and lying on something hot, like the engine. Could also be a belt. If you hear a screeching and smell burning rubber when you turn on the air conditioner or defroster, turn them back off, and keep them off. You’ve probably got a seized air conditioning compressor and you need to take the car in for service. If you smell burning elsewhere, first check the tires to see if one is hotter than the others. Otherwise it could be a brake issue. Either way, have it checked out.
SWEET SMELLING VAPOR – This is coolant, and it is poisonous. If the smell is coming from under the hood, you may have a bad hose, leaky connection or leaky radiator. If its coming from under the passenger side of the dashboard, it’s a leaky heater core. Have the coolant level checked SOON.
SULFUR (rotten eggs) – Could be an engine or computer problem. Not life threatening, but could get costly if neglected. If the sulfur smell is coming from under the hood it could be your battery. Check it out.
BURNING OIL – Usually indicates that a fluid is low, like motor oil or transmission fluid. Check both. Sometimes this is noticeable after an oil change, meaning some oil got into the exhaust, which is no big deal.
BURNING FOOD – Some describe this smell as “burned toast”. And while Atkins freaks may laugh, this smell usually means something is wrong with your car’s electrical system – and that is bad. Get it checked as soon as possible and be very alert – it cause a fire.
OVERVIEW: Where there is smoke there’s not necessarily a fire, but there is definitely a problem. Usually it means that your car is dehydrated somewhere – not enough oil or transmission fluid.
WHITE SMOKE – (Which is usually water vapor) from the exhaust is normal when the engine is cold and when you first start the car. Lots of white smoke after the engine has warmed up does often mean something is leaking, like a head gasket. This could lead to overheating and get very expensive if not taken care of immediately.
BLUE or BLUISH GRAY SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST – Your car is leaking oil or burning oil. Either way it’s not a good scenario.
BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM EXHAUST – This, especially if you also smell rotten eggs, means hat the fuel/air mix in the engine is not right. This is probably not something you can fix yourself – head to a service station.
Drive Safe this Summer! and do it Barbara’s Way!
