The smell of exhaust gases in the car - is the exhaust system always to blame?

The car's exhaust port is responsible for neutralizing many of the harmful exhaust gases coming out of the drive. In addition to the previously mentioned egg smell, the scent can be sweet or gassy. These are signs that something is wrong. In such a situation, you can not delay the repair. The smell of exhaust gases in the car is a symptom of a breakdown that directly threatens the health and life of passengers. Then what is worth knowing about it?

The smell of rotten eggs in the car - what is it caused by?

If you smell this in the air, it is a sign that a compound called hydrogen sulfide has been released. It is extracted from a small amount of sulfur in the fuel. There can be several reasons for the smell of exhaust gases in the car. 

Faulty exhaust manifold converter

By default, sulfur, denoted by the symbol S, turns into odorless sulfur dioxide. The component responsible for this is the converter. 

The appearance of the smell of rotten eggs inside the vehicle will signal damage to it or wear of the filter layer located inside it. Once this happens, the sulfur will no longer turn into an odorless form.

Another reason for the characteristic, irritating aroma of hydrogen sulfide is the clogging of the converter. Unfortunately, in such a situation, the component cannot be repaired or regenerated. You will only have to replace it with a new one.

Engine and fuel pressure regulator malfunction

The smell of exhaust gases in a car with the smell of rotten eggs can also be caused by a malfunction of other parts. The cause is not only a damaged catalytic converter. This may be, for example, a malfunction of the EGR valve, which is responsible for the correct recirculation of exhaust gases.

The aroma of hydrogen sulfide will also be felt in the passenger compartment if the power unit is damaged. Exhaust smell in the car occurs when the engine overheats or the fuel pressure regulator malfunctions. As for the last reason, it can be easily eliminated by replacing the fuel filter.

Exhaust leak

If the exhaust smell in the car is very strong, it probably means there is a leak in the exhaust system. The cause may be a hole in this wire or in the muffler of the car. An unpleasant smell can also be heard due to the wear of one of the parts of the car interior, resulting in a lack of ventilation and exhaust gases entering the cabin. 

To be sure of a breakdown, you can check the door seals, especially those located at the rear of the car. The unpleasant smell of exhaust gases in the car should not be underestimated, usually these are poisonous substances that directly threaten the passengers inside.

Broken heater core

There are several reasons that can cause the release of unpleasant odors. One of them is a broken heater core. If you notice that the heater emits a burning smell, it is likely that antifreeze has entered the heating system.

Leaks usually occur in the line between the hose and the core. It can also be caused by a simple crack in the radiator. The fault is easily diagnosed. It is enough to make sure that the liquid drips onto the ground. A situation may also arise when it flows down the inside of the heater itself. 

In addition, the cause of the smell in the car interior can be a damaged gasket. The smell of car exhaust fumes coming from the heater core can be recognized by the sweet aroma that resembles cinnamon or maple syrup.

Exhaust gas smell

Sometimes exhaust fumes smell strongly of gas. The cause of this phenomenon is usually a problem with the air-fuel mixture. In this situation, the fuel injector is pushing too much gas through the fuel block and not all of it is burning. This can be corrected by appropriate engine tuning.

One of the reasons can also be the use of the wrong brand of gasoline or filling up at a gas station that does not offer the desired quality. Then the engine and exhaust do not work properly and an unwanted smell of exhaust gases appears in the car. Another reason is a clogged fuel injector. In such cases, it is necessary to clean the component. Sometimes the smell of exhaust gases in the car appears due to a clogged air damper.

What causes the smell of burning tires?

Sometimes there is a smell of burnt rubber. This is most commonly caused by a burning clutch or oil leaking directly onto the engine and burning. The characteristic odor is also caused by the failure of the drive unit belt, which heats up and emits a burnt rubber smell. 

Is the smell of exhaust gases in the car really a big problem?

The smell of exhaust gases in the car is definitely a dangerous phenomenon. If this happens, immediately determine the cause of the smell yourself and eliminate it. In a situation where you are not confident in your ability to repair individual parts of a car, contact a trusted mechanic and describe the problem in detail.

Leaks in the gas pipe and fuel injectors or a clogged convector and broken door seals are considered the most common causes of unpleasant odors in the car interior. If exhaust fumes appear in the passenger compartment, stop driving immediately and repair any leaks.