Diagnostics · Expert tip
Smells diagnose faster than you think
Sweet = coolant, burnt = brakes/clutch, rotten = battery.
The expert tip
- Sweet smell inside = heater core or coolant
- Burnt smell after braking = stuck caliper
- Rotten-egg = battery or catalyst
- Fuel smell = a leak — fix now
Source: Workshop practice
Apply tips that match your car and manual. For anything safety-critical or high-voltage, use a qualified mechanic.