Have you ever noticed a slight, even pleasant “sweet“ or “sugary“ smell in the interior of your car? Many drivers mistakenly liken it to air freshener or another harmless fragrance. However, according to mechanical expert Pete Ridley, this apparent “sweetness“ is a clear signal of a serious malfunction that requires immediate response.
Why is "sweet" actually bitter?
There is one reason for this specific smell: antifreeze. Yes, that's exactly what your car's coolant smells like. Its appearance in the cabin is a sure sign of a leak in the cooling system. The smell is strong enough to be felt even with a minimal leak, and becomes even more intense when the engine is warm.
Serious consequences of an antifreeze leak
An antifreeze leak is not a harmless problem. Coolant is vital for maintaining the engine's optimal operating temperature. Its insufficient amount or complete absence can lead to overheating of the engine, which in turn causes serious and extremely expensive damage. Imagine the costs of repairing an overheated engine - they exceed the cost of timely elimination of the leak many times over.
Summer - the most dangerous season
The problem of an antifreeze leak becomes even more dangerous during the warm months. In hot weather, the engine heats up much more actively. If the cooling system is not functioning properly, the risk of rapid overheating and subsequent damage increases dramatically.
What to do?
Don't ignore the smell: Even if it seems harmless to you, this “sweet“ smell is a danger signal.
Don't delay: Don't try to solve the problem by just adding antifreeze. This is a temporary solution, as the leak will continue.
Visit a service center: At the first sign of such a smell, contact a specialized service center immediately. Only a qualified mechanic can locate the leak and fix it professionally.
Remember: Your vigilance can save you thousands of leva and ensure your safety on the road. Don't underestimate the “sweet” smell in your car!