Your car, truck, or SUV can emit smells for various reasons. Some of them may pass, and you might not ever catch them again, while some other odors can linger. One problematic scent we will discuss today is the rotten eggs stench.
If you smell a rotten egg or sulfur-like smell coming from your car, it can indicate several problems, ranging from minor to severe. Here are some possible reasons why your vehicle may have a foul egg smell:
- Faulty catalytic converter: The catalytic converter converts harmful gases into harmless ones before they leave your car's exhaust system. It can cause a rotten egg smell if it fails, as the catalyst doesn't correctly alter the exhaust fumes.
- Overheating engine: An overheating engine can also produce a sulfur smell, which can be a sign of a coolant leak. Most commonly, we find that coolant will leak into the engine's combustion chamber to produce the scent.
- Broken fuel pressure regulator: A fractured fuel pressure regulator can lead to excess fuel entering the engine. As the surplus of fuel burns, it can emit a rotten egg smell.
- Failing battery: If your battery is damaged or overworked, it can release sulfuric acid, causing a rotten egg smell.
- Clogged fuel filter: A clogged fuel filter can reduce fuel flow to the engine and cause incomplete combustion, leading to an unpleasant sulfur smell.
- Gasoline with high sulfur content: Gasoline with high sulfur content can also cause a rotten egg smell. However, this instance is very unlikely and only found in old cars.
If you notice a rotten egg smell coming from your car, it's vital to bring your vehicle to Toole's Garage for an inspection. Ignoring the crisis can cause further damage to your vehicle and cause it to emit harmful emissions.
Toole's Garage in Stockton, CA, explains why your car might rattle at idle and when it’s time to get it checked.
Whether you're rotating your own tires, having them swapped at a shop, or just getting new wheels installed, understanding why proper torque matters can help prevent costly and even dangerous mistakes.
Toole’s Garage is proud to announce the opening of our Jackson, CA location - a family-owned and operated full service auto repair shop that serves Jackson-Martell-Sutter Creek area.