Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer

Our cars can communicate problems in many different ways, from warning lights on the dashboard to noises or vibrations. Sometimes though, the only symptom is a strange smell, coming either from the engine, exhaust or inside the cabin. 

In this article I’ll run through some of the most common odours you are likely to smell, and what they mean. 

My Car Is Making A Strange Smell, Is It Serious?

Without identifying what is causing the smell, and exactly what it smells like, it's impossible to say, but one thing’s for sure, you shouldn’t ignore a funny smell coming from your car. 

Whilst it could be something as simple as forgotten groceries under a seat, it could also be something as serious as a 

Whilst this guide will be a handy tool to potentially identify the problem, we always advise taking your car to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

Whether in a car or not, an unexpected smell of something burning is always cause for concern. 

There could be any number of sources of this smell from a vehicle, including melted or burning wiring, an 

, cooked brakes or a failed bearing somewhere attached to the engine, such as the AC system or alternator.

What to do if your car smells like burning

Pull over as soon as it's safe, turn off the engine and exit the vehicle. Whilst standing well back, examine the front and rear of the car to see any obvious evidence of smoke.

Don’t open the bonnet or boot without first taking precautions to check for fire. If the smell persists, but there are no obvious signs of fire, look over the car more closely, trying to identify the source of the smell. 

A sweet smell is often indicative of a coolant leak, it can be made worse by the fluid dropping onto a hot surface such as the exhaust manifold.

Whilst it may not present an immediate issue, you should at the very least check your cars coolant level.

If the level is low or the problem is persistent, ensure to keep it topped up before having it fixed as soon as possible.

If your coolant is leaking and causing a sweet smell to enter the cabin, it's important to have it fixed as soon as possible.

Coolant leaks are difficult to fix without the correct tools and equipment, so it's best to take it to a 

The smell is a result of sulphur dioxide, usually from a clogged catalytic converter. This is one of the most difficult smells to deal with as it can be extremely pungent and unpleasant. 

Take your car to a mechanic as soon as you notice an egg-like smell from your car, sulphur dioxide l is dangerous to our health, and the fact you can smell it at all means you are breathing it in!

How to fix an egg smell from your exhaust

Whilst the catalytic converter being blocked is usually the cause of the smell, it is not always the source of the problem. Oftentimes the cat can be blocked due to an over fuelling issue, caused by a bad sensor or faulty fuel system. 

To remedy this problem, an inspection of the car is needed, an ECU scanner would help to diagnose the problem at its source, then the offending sensor/injector/filter replaced.

A musty smell is generally caused by damp and/or stale air. 

This can be through lack of use or a faulty window or door seal allowing moisture into the cabin. The smell can often be trapped in the numerous soft furnishings including seats, carpets and headlining.

With modern cars being very well sealed from the atmosphere, any smell in the interior can be very apparent, but thankfully it is something you can try to tackle at home. 

First try to identify any source of leaks, the common culprits are boot seals and door seals, but feel around the carpets and interior - particularly after it has 

If there is no discernible leak coming in, you can try removing the smell. 

I always start by vacuuming out the carpets and seats, this gives you a chance to check under the seats too. 

If the smell is very bad, you may want to use an upholstery cleaner on the seats and carpet following the instructions on the bottle, and ideally sucking up excess moisture with a wet vacuum. 

Once cleaned, the car needs to dry out, if you or a family member has a dehumidifier, this is the fastest solution, leave it running inside the cabin for a few hours and check again. 

If not, a small fan with the windows cracked open will encourage airflow which will help out the drying process (don’t do this if it's raining, though!) 

Whether your car is diesel or petrol-powered, smelling fuel at any time other than whilst filling up is cause for concern, in the best case scenario fuel is leaking and causing a danger to other road users, the worst case is much more severe. 

As soon as you smell a strong petrol or diesel smell inside the car, and it is not from a recent fill-up stop, assess the situation as soon as possible. Remove everyone from the car whilst doing so. If in any doubt call roadside assistance.

If the smell appears to be coming from the front of the car, it’s possible there is a leak somewhere in the fuel system, such as at an injector or fuel rail. Do not attempt to fix this unless you are a qualified mechanic. A smell from the rear could mean a leaking or punctured fuel tank or 

If you are getting an oily, acrid, plastic-like smell coming from the engine, it's possible leaking oil is dripping onto something hot. This could be from something like a leaking turbo, oil filter housing or faulty PCV system.

The two main things to consider if you smell this is your health, and the engine’s oil level. The smoke will contain nasty compounds that are not good for you and your passengers, and the loss of oil could mean disaster for your engine too. 

How to fix burnt oil smell from car engine

This one is probably best left to the professionals, you could do some minor investigation by looking over the engine when its fully cooled down and the smoke and smell has gone, to see for any evidence of oil leaks. 

Take your car to a garage to have them look over the engine and ancillaries for leaks and drips.

Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding all sorts of problems, including mechanical and odorous issues. 

Here are my top tips for preventing problems, and smells from arising.

Cars are complex machines that require regular upkeep and maintenance, keeping on top of these is a good way to avoid unforeseen problems. Your car's manufacturer will list the service intervals in the manual, this is a great starting point for keeping track of maintenance.

Keeping your car clean is also a good way to avoid further issues, not only is it more appealing should you wish to sell the car, but excess dirt can hide problems that would otherwise be spotted early.

Engine oil is the only thing preventing your engine from excessive wear, it forms a lubricating layer on metal components that would otherwise rub together. Oil does degrade over time and with the usual heating and cooling cycles of using your car. 

This is why it's important to change it according to the manufacturer's recommendations or better, this usually means every 

Having work done on your car at regular intervals also allows you to monitor potential issues, such as excessive oil consumption.

Just like in a house with stagnant air, damp and musty smells can build up over time if adequate ventilation is not provided. If a car is used daily, the action of entering and exiting, running the air conditioning and opening the windows should be enough to prevent a musty smell from developing.

However, if your car has even a small leak, or there has been a period of 

, where clothes and shoes are bringing in moisture to the interior of the car, it may be enough to produce a damp environment. 

There are a few things you can do to help this, ensure the 

 and the blower is used on low even when not needed, this will bring in fresh air from outside. The air recirculation button should not be pressed.

So we’ve gone through all of the possible smells your car can make, in particular, keep an eye (or nose!) out for smells like burning, petrol and sulphurous/egg smells. 

These can pose an immediate danger to either you or your car.

If you are noticing any of the smells we’ve discussed here, or have other faults that need addressing, Bumper’s zero-interest financing allows you to spread out the cost of car repairs and maintenance. 

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

A Guide To Car Smells and What They Mean

Not only is it inconvenient, but your car's engine cutting out can be very dangerous, especially when tackling junctions and roundabouts. If you find your car is cutting out regularly, take 10 minutes to read this article, exploring all the possible causes.

Why Does My Car Keep Cutting Out or Stalling?

There are multiple reasons why your car could be cutting out, these will generally fall under the following: an electrical issue (faulty sensor or control module), a fuelling issue (blocked fuel filter or bad fuel pump), or a spark issue (faulty ignition coil or bad spark plugs). 

10 Most Common Reasons a Car is Cutting Out

Your engine needs a constant, uninterrupted supply of fuel to run smoothly. Debris and dirt in your fuel tank or lines can cause blockages that cause stalling or cutting out. 

Another area to check is the fuel filter, which prevents the aforementioned detritus and contaminants from making it to the engine. Over time, the filter can become clogged and restrict the flow of fuel.

In a petrol car, the fuel and air mixture is ignited by the spark plugs, which are connected to an ignition coil. Older cars tend to have one coil pack for all the cylinders, and others have individual coils, one for each spark plug.

With the heat and vibration present in an engine bay, the coils can break down over time and fail to power the spark plugs correctly.

To ensure the correct running of your engine, an airflow meter is used to monitor how much air is entering the engine. If the sensor has become clogged or damaged, the ECU will be unable to correctly adjust the fuel input, causing poor running and stalling.

Issues with air flow meters don't always require immediate replacement; they can often be removed and cleaned to resolve the problem. 

An integral part of the fuel system is the pump that moves fuel from the tank to the engine. They are electronically powered and can sometimes wear out or fail. In this case, insufficient fuel will be delivered to the engine, naturally causing running issues.

Alongside the air flow sensors, ECUs use many other sensors to monitor the state of an engine; these include cam position sensors, crank position sensors, knock sensors and manifold pressure sensors. 

As sensors are often exposed to high levels of vibration and elevated temperatures, they can break down over time and produce erroneous or incomplete data to the ECU. 

A petrol engine requires air, fuel and an ignition source. Ignition inside the cylinder is provided by a spark plug. Over time spark plugs can become worn and deteriorate, reducing the strength of the spark, and therefore the efficiency of the engine. 

In extreme cases very old spark plugs can cause stalling or idling issues, the colour of the spark plugs can indicate if worn spark plugs are the cause of the problem.

Some older cars at idle, i.e. when there is no accelerator input from the driver, use an Idle Control Valve to keep the engine ticking over with a low enough RPM to not stall, but not excessively waste fuel. 

A sticky or worn Idle Control Valve can cause an engine to stall, this is especially common to happen when slowing down to a stop, such as at a junction or traffic lights. 

There are numerous electrical systems that control the running of an internal combustion engine, including ignition timing, fuel supply and the management of both combined. 

Any damage to the wiring loom can cause erratic running and stalling issues, which can also often occur at irregular intervals.

The systems mentioned above naturally require electrical energy to operate, this is provided by the car’s battery, which is topped up whilst driving by the alternator. 

Issues with either the alternator or the battery can cause running issues, by interrupting the power supply to the ECU, ignition coils or various other systems.

As obvious as it sounds, it's surprisingly easy to run out of fuel, this can either be caused by a faulty fuel level sensor, meaning the gauge is showing the incorrect level, or of course a distracted driver!

If your car is a diesel, you may need to have the fuel system bled before it will restart, as there is likely to be air in the fuel lines. 

Regular servicing and maintenance can identify issues such as worn-out spark plugs, coil packs or blocked fuel filters. Having this done can mean any future stalling issues are both less likely to occur and easier to diagnose and fix.

Repair Stalling Issues Easily With Bumper

Some of the most common issues we’ve discussed above can mean unfortunately timed bills. Consider 

 from Bumper to split the cost, interest-free. Apply online and choose from 1,000s of reliable garages and dealerships.

Why Does My Car Keep Cutting Out? 10 Most Common Causes Explained

Why Does My Car Keep Cutting Out?

Warum geht mein Auto ständig aus?

Anything other than a quiet, smooth ride from your car can often be cause for alarm. The reality is that there are many different causes for juddering, from engine faults to brake and suspension issues. 

In this article I cover some of the most common causes of cars' juddering and how they are usually remedied, as well as how severe of a problem they can become. 

Juddering when driving can be a symptom of a few different problems, but regardless of the cause, it can be disconcerting, to say the least, especially as some causes can get worse with speed. These are the two most common reasons:

If your engine isn’t running smoothly, it can translate to a juddering or shaky ride, whether whilst accelerating or cruising at a constant speed. Engine misfires, often caused by old 

, a clogged mass air flow sensor or a failing coil pack can cause this.

Misfiring can also lead to engines sounding lumpy at idle, or stalling and cutting out when slowing and stopping, such as approaching a junction.

When tyres are fitted, the technician will use a balancing machine to add lead weights to counteract irregularities in the tyre and the weight of the valve, making them perfectly balanced. However, the weights are usually only stuck on and can fall off.

At 70mph your wheels rotate around 16 times per second, this means any imbalance in them can transfer directly to the car via the suspension, the vibration will get worse at speed and may even cause your steering wheel to wobble slightly.

Any unusual noises or vibrations are even more concerning if they happen whilst braking, as they may indicate an issue specifically with your brakes, these are some possible causes.

All modern cars have disc brakes on the front wheels, these use a flat disc and two pads to absorb energy and slow down the vehicle. If your brake discs are particularly old or have been used heavily - such as during a long downhill stretch - they can warp. 

Once warped, the discs will cause a vibration that transmits through the car's suspension and will be easily felt by any passengers in the car, even more so through the brake pedal itself.

Juddering or vibration from warped brake discs will feel more harsh, with a higher frequency at higher speeds, and vice versa. 

As an integral part of a car's suspension and steering system, the track rod ends connect the steering rack to the wheel hubs, allowing steering input to be transmitted to the wheels. 

Track rod ends use a ball and socket type joint to allow for movement in the suspension, these wear out over time. This can cause both a knocking noise when going over bumps, and vibration under heavy braking.

The flywheel is a key component that smoothes out the power delivery of an engine, a dual mass flywheel is in effect a more complex flywheel with multiple moving parts, that helps even further to reduce the level of vibration transmitted to the gearbox and therefore the car. 

Through normal use the springs and mechanisms in the DMF become worn, and reduce the effectiveness of the overall assembly. This leads to a significant increase in vibration felt in the car and through the clutch pedal.

All engines create vibrations, these are isolated from the body of the car via rubber-cored engine mounts, which absorb and dampen the vibrations. Over time, the heat and vibration from the engine can deteriorate these mounts, reducing their effectiveness. 

If your engine mounts are really bad, they can cause noticeable juddering or shaking of the car, this will be most noticeable when idling, changing gear or pulling away from a standstill.

The issues listed above can seem daunting, but most can be fixed with the replacement of a few parts, though some will require more labour costs than others. 

Fixing Juddering Whilst Driving or Accelerating

If your engine seems to be stuttering, misfiring or ‘breaking up’, then the replacement of the following components should be the first port of call:

If your juddering issue seems to get worse as you speed up, it might be caused by imbalanced wheels, many tyre shops offer a free balance check, but even so it can be done fairly cheaply.

One other cause that may feel similar to an imbalanced wheel is if your tyre has a bulge, check all around the tyre's tread and sidewall for a protruding lump. If found, organise a replacement to be fitted as soon as possible. 

Spread out the cost of new tyres with Bumpers zero-percent interest tyre financing

If the juddering only happens when braking, it is likely that something in the braking or suspension is awry, the first thing to check would be your track rod ends, many garages offer a free suspension check-up, where they can feel for play. 

If nothing is reported with the suspension, have a mechanic take the car for a test drive, warped brake discs are usually resolved simply by fitting a new set of discs and pads.

Fixing Juddering Whilst Idling on Your Car

Worn engine mounts can be diagnosed relatively easily, simply have someone open the bonnet and watch the engine as you give it a few revs, if it moves significantly - more than a few centimetres back and forth - then there’s a good chance you need new engine mounts. 

Dual mass flywheels are a little harder to diagnose at home, but any mechanic should be able to tell you if that is the problem after a short test drive. Unfortunately, a new DMF is likely to cost upwards of £1,000, so be sure to check out 

Bumper’s zero-percent financing for DMFs.

If you notice any new noise or vibration from your car, and you’re unsure what it is, it’s probably worth getting a mechanic to take a look. This is both from a safety point of view and to prevent the problem from getting worse and causing other faults to occur. 

Some of the issues mentioned above can be felt or heard inside the car before they are a safety issue, but problems involving brakes, suspension or the engine itself should be addressed immediately by a qualified professional.

Fix Any Issues With Your Car Through Bumper

 offers zero-per cent interest financing through one of the 

across the country, this gives you the opportunity to get your car sorted now, but pay for it over a period of time, at no extra cost.

Why Is My Car Juddering?

Warum ruckelt oder stottert mein Auto? 

Using finance to buy a car or pay for repairs and upgrades can help to grow your credit score. 

While timely repayments can get your numbers moving in the right direction, there are some potential bumps in the road you’ll want to steer clear of. 

With that in mind, it’s important to understand the ways that car-related finance could impact your credit health and how to keep an eye on your progress. Let’s shine a light on the details. 

To stay on top of your credit health, it's beneficial to regularly monitor your credit score and the information on your credit report. We recommend using Checkmyfile, the most detailed credit report you can get. They pull your data from the UK’s three main credit reference agencies – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – in one place, so you know where you stand. 

: Get a free 30-day trial with Checkmyfile and see how your repayments are affecting your credit score. It’s then £14.99 a month, and you can cancel online anytime. 

Taking out finance, like your interest-free Bumper plan, and managing it responsibly can improve your credit score. Here's how: 

: Your payment history has a big contribution towards your credit score. By making finance payments on time each month, you're building a positive payment record, which shows lenders you’re reliable. 

: Having different types of credit (such as car finance, credit cards, or a mortgage) can positively affect your credit score. Adding car finance to your credit mix can show lenders that you can handle various types of credit responsibly. 

: As you continue to make payments over the life of your finance agreement, you're establishing a long-term credit relationship. This can be viewed favourably by lenders and credit reference agencies. 

While timely payments can boost your score, late payments will have the opposite effect: 

: Payments made later than 7 days may be reported to credit reference agencies leaving a negative marker that can last for six years. 

: Late payments can cause a drop in your credit score, which can make it harder to be accepted for credit going forwards. 

: When you next apply for credit, lenders may offer you higher interest rates because they view you as a higher risk. 

By keeping an eye on your credit score and staying on top of your repayments, you're not just maintaining your vehicle – you're also getting your credit health in gear for a brighter future. So don’t forget to monitor your credit health with Checkmyfile. 

Remember, your credit score reflects your credit health. By managing your car finance well, you're paving the way for better credit opportunities down the road. 

How car finance can help tune your credit score 

An unusual or new smell coming from your car is usually a sign that something is amiss, but it can be even more of an issue if the smell in question is that of rotten eggs. Learn why this happens and how to solve the smelly problem. 

What Can Cause A Rotten Egg Smell In Your Car?

The smell of rotten eggs can be caused by a few different things in your car:

Can A Broken Catalytic Converter Cause a Rotten Egg Smell?

Yes, one of the most common sources for a smell akin to rotten eggs, is the catalytic converter. If this is the case, it will usually start to smell when the car is up to temperature - around 10-15 minutes into a journey.

The cause of this is not actually the fault of the 

, but more so the fueling system. If your car’s injectors are adding too much fuel into the cylinders, this unburnt fuel gets expelled out of the engine and is caught in the catalytic converter mesh.

One of the jobs of a catalytic converter is to turn the small amount of Hydrogen Sulfide produced by the engine into odourless Sulphur Dioxide, when excessive amounts of unburnt fuel is reaching the cat, the smell of rotten eggs; Sulphur, can be present inside and out.

The root cause of the issue can be a few things, including malfunctioning injectors, an erroneous sensor, or a broken air flow meter.

If the smell seems to come from near the 

, and doesn't seem to get worse when you drive, then it likely caused by a damaged or worn out car battery.

Thanks to the fluid inside, when a car battery is overcharged it can produce Hydrogen Sulfide - yep the same stuff we talked about above! 

A correctly operating alternator and battery setup will not overcharge the battery, but a damaged or worn-out battery can cause issues like this. 

Not only is this gas stinky, it is also dangerous for our health, this is one reason car manufacturers don’t like to mount the battery in the passenger compartment. 

In most cases a new battery, especially if yours is old or looking damaged, will solve the issue.

Behind the vents on your dash, there are many tubes and ducts that help direct the right temperature air to where you want it. 

If you don’t use this system regularly, condensation and moisture can cause mould to form. 

It might smell all the time, but will be most noticeable when you do eventually use the air conditioning or heater, when any mould or fungus will cause a smell to enter the cabin.

Is Your Car Smelling of Rotten Eggs Dangerous?

Regardless of where the smell is coming from, you should not ignore a rotten egg smell from your car. The gas that is usually the cause, Hydrogen Sulphide, can be very harmful to our health.

Short-term exposure to Hydrogen Sulphide can cause nausea, sickness and throat irritation, prolonged exposure can result in long-term health complications. 

If the smell is coming from mould in your car's vents, then this can be very damaging to your respiratory health, and you stop driving the vehicle immediately.

Should I Take My Car To a Mechanic if It Smells Like Rotten Eggs?

Whether the cause is your catalytic converter, battery or hidden mould, the consequences of not getting the rotten egg smell checked out could be severe. I’d recommend taking your car to a mechanic as soon as you pinpoint the smell to your car. 

In some cases the smell may come and go, it could depend on something as simple as the speed you're driving or even the weather, so try to pay close attention as soon as you smell anything eggy!

How to Prevent Rotten Egg Smell From Coming Back

This will depend on the cause of the problem, but with most of the causes discussed above, there isn’t much you can do once the problem has started, short of fixing the offending component permanently. 

That said, paying attention to your car's service and maintenance schedule can help, not only in the fact your car will run better, but with regular checks from a mechanic, small problems are sure to be found sooner.

 you can have your car repaired at one of many approved partner garages, with zero-interest financing. To find your nearest partner enter your car registration and postcode 

Why Does My Car Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

Wheel alignment costs in the UK can be anywhere from £30 to £60, depending on the service your car needs.

The condition and fine-tuning of your suspension and steering system is paramount to your car's safety, improving both handling and road holding performance. Not only that, but poor tracking or alignment can cause increased wear on your tyres. 

In this blog, we explore how much wheel alignment costs and why it’s so crucial for British drivers.

Prices depend on the exact model of car and location, but expect to pay anywhere from £30 to £60 for a two-wheel alignment (either front or back) and £50 to £100 for a four wheel alignment.

It is always best to consult a specialist garage experienced with high-performance vehicles to get an accurate quote tailored to your car’s specific requirements. 

 to split large repair costs into interest-free repayments. Perfect for those surprise fees!

High-performance vehicles or those with advanced steering and suspension systems often require more intricate wheel alignment procedures, which can increase costs. 

Standard 4-wheel alignments typically range from £50 to £100 in the UK, depending on the vehicle and location.

For high-performance cars, such as a Porsche Taycan or Tesla Model S, alignment costs can be higher due to the specialised equipment and procedures required. Similarly, luxury brands like Lexus or Audi may charge between £85 and £150 for a 4-wheel alignment, reflecting the precision and expertise needed.

Most modern cars benefit from a 4-wheel alignment, which adjusts all wheels for optimal handling and tyre wear.

A 2-wheel alignment, usually front wheels only, may suffice for older rear-wheel-drive cars or simpler suspension setups. Your mechanic will let you know if this is appropriate. 

Wheel alignment, or tracking as it’s often called here in the UK, is the process of adjusting a car's suspension and steering system to be in line with the manufacturer's specification. 

It can involve anything from making sure the wheels are both pointing dead ahead, to complex suspension geometry adjustments.

How often should you have a wheel alignment done?

Most manufacturers recommend having a wheel alignment once every three years. 

However, in areas with poor road conditions or for drivers who frequently mount curbs, it is advisable to have it checked at least once every two years.

Wheel alignment can have a significant impact on tyre wear, so it is often recommended to have at least a front wheel alignment performed when fitting new tyres to help maximise their lifespan.

A typical wheel alignment usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour.

As always, this depends on the car and the type of alignment. More complex vehicles or those requiring suspension adjustments may take longer.

The wheel alignment process can vary depending on the type of car and whether a 2-wheel or 4-wheel alignment is being performed. 

While different alignment systems exist, the general procedure typically follows these steps:

While minor adjustments may seem doable, wheel alignment requires specialised equipment and precise measurements.

Attempting it yourself can result in uneven tyre wear or handling problems. It is strongly recommended to have a qualified mechanic perform the alignment, especially if you are unsure or have no previous experience.

As well as regular alignment checks, you should have your tracking done if any of the following things are happening.

Incorrect alignment can cause uneven tyre wear, leading to the need for replacement much sooner than usual. 

If excessive wear appears on either the inside or outside of the tyre, have the alignment checked before fitting new tyres.

When driving on a flat road with no steering input, the car should travel in a straight line.

Advice

A Guide To Car Smells and What They Mean

Why Does My Car Keep Cutting Out? 10 Most Common Causes Explained

Why Is My Car Juddering?

How car finance can help tune your credit score

Why Does My Car Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

How Much Does Wheel Alignment Cost?

Cracked Windscreens: Is It Safe To Drive, Can You Repair Them & And How Much To Fix

Does Car Insurance Cover Engine Failure?