'Pull over immediately' if you smell these strange odours when driving

A car expert has issued a warning to motorists to immediately pull over and evacuate their vehicle if they smell a particular strange odour.

Tim Alcock, sales and marketing director at LeaseCar, has shared information urging all drivers to pay close attention to certain unusual odours in their cars. According to Tim, a strange smell can be one of the earliest and most critical indicators of mechanical issues, potentially saving drivers from costly repairs or dangerous situations.

"A car's warning lights are important but your sense of smell can be an equally powerful diagnostic tool," he says. "Many mechanical problems produce a distinct odour long before they cause a breakdown. By learning to identify these smells, drivers can take a proactive approach to maintenance and ensure their vehicle remains safe and reliable."

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He has compiled a list of common - and some less common - car odours, and what they could mean about the health of your vehicle. He also shares what you should do if you smell any of these odours.

Burnt toast

“This isn’t the smell of a forgotten breakfast, it's the smell of a potential fire,” warns Tim.

“The odour of burnt toast is an unmistakable sign of an electrical issue. It usually means that plastic insulation on a wire is melting or that a short circuit is causing a component to overheat. An electrical fire can spread with shocking speed and leave you stranded quickly.”

His advice? “Pull over immediately, turn off the engine and disconnect the battery if you can do so safely. You may need to call roadside assistance for further diagnostic evaluation as this is not a smell risk driving home with.”

Rotten eggs

Tim says the smell of rotten eggs can indicate another serious vehicle problem. “That pungent, sulphur-like smell is almost always a sign of a failing catalytic converter.”

He explains that the converter is designed to turn toxic hydrogen sulfide into less harmful gases, so when it fails it the hydrogen sulfide builds up and creates a noticeable smell.

“Occasionally rotten egg odour could be pointing to a fuel system issue or a leaking battery, but either way, the bottom line is that something is seriously wrong with your car if you begin to smell this.”

In this situation, he advises motorists to have their car inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

Burnt carpet or hair

“Burnt carpet or hair is usually the smell of overheated brakes.” Tim's advice: “If you experience this smell, pull over swiftly and let your brakes cool down, as this is a sign that your braking system is compromised and needs attention.”

Maple syrup

The scent of syrup could be a warning sign of a coolant leak. Antifreeze has a sweet smell that becomes more pronounced when it leaks on a hot engine - causing it to overheat.

“An overheated engine is one of the quickest ways to cause catastrophic, irreparable damage. Check your car's coolant levels and look for coloured puddles under your car. Don't drive it until you've had this diagnosed,” Tim says.

Exhaust fumes

“The odour of exhaust fumes inside the passenger cabin is an immediate safety hazard and not something you should ever take lightly. It points to a leak in your exhaust system, allowing toxic carbon monoxide gas to enter the vehicle.

“If you smell exhaust, you must immediately pull over, turn off the engine, open the window and exit the car to get fresh air. Do not continue driving. This scenario could lead to a life-threatening emergency,” warns Tim.