To effectively address the issue of nagging odours, it’s important to clearly identify the source before trying to remove it. Some odours will be easier to eliminate than others, but all can be treated once you know the cause. Here are a few of the most likely problems and some tips on getting rid of them.

PART 1 OF 3: INVESTIGATE THE SOURCE

1. Check the vehicle floor.
   Look on the floors in the front and rear of the vehicle and under floor mats. Pat the area with a paper towel to check for wetness. If there is wetness, check if the odour has transferred to the paper towel.
2. Check the seats.
   Check under seats or in the back where the seat joins the back support. If your vehicle has fold-away seating as many minivans do, make sure to fold and unfold the seats and to check the area where seats fold up and disappear into.
3. Check all storage areas inside the car.
   Open up every compartment, especially centre consoles. Check door compartments and other areas where food or drinks typically sit.
4. Check the trunk.
   Check the trunk or cargo area of your vehicle for any items left inside that may be the cause of your odour. Old gym clothes or forgotten food can leave a stench that reaches the cabin – even from a closed trunk!

PART 2 OF 3: MAYBE THIS IS MECHANICAL?

A bad smell in your car could also indicate a problem with one of your car’s systems. Consider these distinct smells and the possible issues related to them:

• “Rotten Eggs” – possible fuel system or plugged catalytic converter.
• “Gasoline” – possible leak in the fuel system or loose or missing gas cap.
• “Maple Syrup” – possible radiator or cylinder head/manifold gasket or heater core issue
• “Burnt Carpet” – possible overheated brakes or seized calipers/parking brake
• “Deep-Fried Oil” – possible leaking engine oil
• “Gym Locker” – possible heating/AC system issue. You may need to replace your cabin filter or treat the system with anti-fungal spray.
• “Burnt Plastic” – possibly some kind of garbage like a plastic bag has stuck to the exhaust system and is now melted to it.

PART 3 of 3: DEEP CLEAN YOUR VEHICLE

If you haven’t found the culprit and you are confident it’s not mechanical, then clean your vehicle thoroughly.

1. Vacuum your carpets. Sprinkle baking soda on the carpets and seats before vacuuming it to absorb and eliminate odours. Tip: Let the baking soda sit for 4-6 hours before vacuuming.
2. Shampoo the seats and carpets. A thorough steam cleaning can help remove the offending odour. Shampoo the seats as well. Steam clean the headliner to remove any airborne odours that may have soaked in. Leather seats should be cleaned and conditioned every few months, more often if you have kids or pets.
3. Replace your cabin air filter. The cabin air filter eliminates sources of odours in normal conditions but can also develop mold and mildew that cause odours themselves. Check the owner’s manual of your car to find out how to replace the cabin air filter in your car. If you need help, request the services of a certified mechanic from our dealership.
4. Wash your car’s exterior. If the smell is environmental such as a skunk spray or a dead bird, the odour may not come from something visible but will wash off with soap and water. Spray the undercarriage thoroughly to rinse off anything underneath that may be causing the smell.

If you’re interested in arranging for any kind of service related to unwanted odours or a thorough spring check-up, please click the button below. Depending on current conditions, traditional services may not be available so we’ll contact you to discuss how we can best serve your needs. Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.