The Good Life – November-December 2015

Metal: A metallic odor that is hot usually accompanied
by a sweet odor of antifreeze or
coolant could be a symptom of your vehicle
overheating.
Burnt Carpet: A smell that will typically omit
from the wheel area of your vehicle after the
brake pads have been overheated.
A Gas Station: This is typically raw gasoline.
Any fuel smells will usually indicate there is a
leak in the fuel system
Hell: This is the smell of sulfur (formally
called brimstone) and usually indicates gear
lube leaking from the manual transmission,
transfer case, or differential housing; or that
one of those components has overheated.
Burning Rubber: This is typically a smell
emitted from the engine compartment and
indicates an issue with the drive belts of the
vehicle.
Exhaust: This can be the result of oil burning
in the engine compartment or a faulty
exhaust pipe that is allowing exhaust gas to
enter the cab of the vehicle.
ALWAYS consult with a professional at the
Automotive Service Center of your choosing
when it comes to any issues that you smell,
especially since it could be an issue bigger
than expected. Also, when talking with your
automotive professional, make sure to talk
about the particular scent being smelled
along with any other relevant information to
make the diagnostic process easier.
Just remember, smells are important in detecting
issues, just like when food is being
prepared. If you can smell any of the odors
listed above, be sure to have your vehicle
looked at by a professional service center.
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for Part
2 of Recognizing Vehicle Issues Using Your
Senses. ■