Are you angry because no one is telling you why does car heater smell? Spit your anger and read this blog post. We have written every possible reason which your car heater produces nasty odors. Plus, you will also know about the fix of each smell.
Car heaters work on a simple mechanism. Hence their problems are uncomplicated too. Most of the issues are related to fresh air intake and engine.
You must keep an eye on the heater as a bit of maintenance can save you from many tensions. Let’s start discovering the reasons and fixes for a smelly heater without further ado.
Reasons Why A Car Heater Smell
We have written some possible reasons for the heater odors. Readout, and you will find the answer to why does car heater smell:
#1. Leakage of antifreeze
Sometimes, a problem with the heater core allows the antifreeze solution to leak and condense on the windshield. As a result, the maple syrup-like smell hits your nerves badly. You may also name the smell as sickly sweet. The simple solution to avoid this frustration is replacing the heater core or bypassing it. You can buy a portable heater for your car as the replacement can easily break your bank.
#2. Water accumulation or leakage
Does your car heater blow a musty smell every time you switch it on? This smell means that water is accumulating somewhere in your car. The mold and mildew grow in the water and makes your vehicle an unbearable space to sit. In addition, the mildew smell makes breathing difficult, causes itching of the eyes, puts you in sneezing mode, and enhances a nauseous feeling and headache.
The heater system has drainage pipes whose function is to dispense the water from the car produced by condensation during the A/C and heater operation. The water starts collecting in the vehicle if these pipes don’t perform their duty correctly. Sometimes, the condensation water finds its way into the body plug, windshield, or window. The heater box is also commonplace for the water to stay.
You have to unplug the heater box and drain all the water. Then clean it correctly with the help of a cleaning agent and microfiber towel. In addition, you have to detect leaks and fix them if the smell persists even after cleaning the heater box.
#3. Catalytic converter problem
The smell of rotten eggs is the most frustrating, and no words are enough to describe our disgust in words. The scent rises when the car faces difficulty mixing the fuel or a bad catalytic converter cannot handle the hydrogen sulfide. Take the car to a professional mechanic immediately to eliminate the frustration.
#4. Overheated or bad parts
The plastic burning smell is hard on nerves and bad for your health. This odor is produced when the heater fan or resistor malfunctions or is burned. When the hose or vacuum line is burned or melted, the plastic burning smell also persists. Or, the temperature of the clutch or brakes is rising simply due to the burning of oil.
But sometimes, the burning smell comes from lit up a fire outside the car, and you don’t have to do anything other than turn off the fresh air intake. You have to detect the defected or overheated component and fix it. We will recommend contacting a professional mechanic. Because a professional will be able to fix other problems that are hidden from you now.
#5. Burning of leaves
The heater produces the smell of fire burning if any flammable object like leaves, dust, and debris finds its way into the heater compartment and starts burning if the heater has no moisture inside. Remember! The fire inside the dashboard or heater box is hazardous and should be cured quickly.
I will take my car to a service center if the heater produces burning smells. So, you must do the same because fire is not a kid’s play.
#6. Smelly outside air
Do you feel the strong pee smell every time you turn the heater on? Ughh, we can handle your pain and disgust. Let’s figure out the root cause of this critical issue in your life. The smell produces when you turn on the fresh air intake settings in your car. The fresh air brings the urine odor passed by some small animals like a mouse, cats, or squirrels into the car compartment. Plus, the atmosphere also lets the nesting objects come and get stuck in the squirrel cage of the blower motor after passing through the heater box.
You must fix this problem as soon as possible by unplugging the heater core and cleaning it deeply. Take out any crappy objects from inside, and don’t forget to cover the air intake filter with a fine mesh.
#7. Clogged engine
The heater produces unbearable odors if some road debris gets in the engine from the front grille. The stuck insects and shopping bags in the machine are harmful to you and your car. You may also be interested to know about engine clogging causes.
Switch on the hazard light and open the car hood now. Then clean any visible crap to get rid of the burning smell immediately.
It’s A Wrap!
Why does car heater smell? This question worried you, and we hope that you have gotten the answer now. Burning smells are the most dangerous so we recommend you to read burning smell from car and what it means. You may also want to read about why car heater not working and why does my car heater blow cold air.