Posted on 6/27/2025
Strange smells coming from under your hood are never something to ignore. Whether it’s a sweet scent, a burning odor, or something more alarming like rotten eggs, your nose can be an early warning system for problems under the hood. When it comes to your engine, certain smells often indicate very specific issues, and the sooner you identify the cause, the better chance you have of avoiding expensive repairs. Sweet Smell If you catch a sugary or syrupy smell while driving or after shutting off the engine, it’s often a sign that coolant is leaking. Coolant contains ethylene glycol, which has a distinctly sweet scent. Leaks might occur from a cracked hose, a worn-out radiator, or even a damaged water pump. This kind of leak doesn’t just make a mess; it’s dangerous for your engine. When coolant escapes, your engine is more likely to overheat. If the issue isn’t fixed quickly, it can lead to warped cylinder heads, blown head gaskets, and oth ... read more