What Is That Smell?

When you smell something stinky in your automobile, the first step is to find the source of the odor. Check in pockets, under seats, on and under floor mats, in the glove box, and in the side doors for anything that could be causing the smell like old food, spills, spoiled beverages, etc. Don’t forget under any seat covers. If your vehicle smells like something is burning, it may be that it’s overheated or you may be in need of an oil change. Park your car in the shade, open the windows, turn the floor air vents on, use the fresh air setting, and keep your eye on the car temperature gauge and also check your oil level. If you or a passanger is a smoker or purchased a used vehicle from someone who smokes, that could be the source of a smell. Cigarette smoke can get everywhere, including the vents and can be difficult to remove completely. If a child or pet got sick or had an accident, it could still cause odors even after you’ve cleaned it up. A deeper clean may be necessary to fully get rid of the smell. Mildew can be another source of unpleasant smells, caused by a buildup of condensation, a leak (like through a cracked window), or even spilled liquids. Another source of mildew smell could be your air conditioning system. Check if your floor mats are damp near the air conditioner, which can be a sign of an air conditioning unit condensation.