Drivers must 'pull over and exit car immediately' if they smell one thing

Drivers must 'pull over and exit car immediately' if they smell one thing
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Drivers have been warned of an unpleasant smell in their car that could 'pose a fire hazard'. Chris Jevons, motoring expert at JTAPE h, has warned road users to pull over and get their motors checked if they have a burning smell in their car.

He advised: "Drivers who notice a burning smell from their heating system might be dealing with a few potential problems. A clogged cabin air filter could be overheating due to restricted airflow, or the blower motor might be failing and burning out, which can impact the system’s performance.

"In some cases, it might be worn belts or hoses in the engine bay, which can degrade and emit a burning odour. There’s also the possibility of electrical short circuits in the HVAC system, which not only cause unpleasant smells but could pose a fire hazard."

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He continued: "A sweet, syrupy smell is often a sign of a coolant leak. This could be coming from a damaged heater core, which is a critical part of the system responsible for warming the air inside your car. A leaking heater core can lead to reduced heating efficiency and even foggy windows from coolant vapour. In some cases, the coolant may be leaking from hoses or the radiator, dripping onto hot engine components and creating that sweet odour."

He added: "A fuel smell coming from your heater is extremely dangerous. This could mean there’s a fuel system issue, like a leak or improper combustion. If you detect this smell, turn off the heater, ventilate the car, and have it checked immediately."

A burning smell in your car could be caused by a number of issues, including a faulty electrical component, a worn-out brake pad, or a slipping belt, the RAC has advised. "In more serious examples, a burning smell could indicate that a fire has started in your vehicle. Look out for some smoke – and exit the vehicle immediately and call 999," it said.