Have you ever gotten into your car and been hit with a nasty, rotten egg smell? It’s not pleasant, and it can be a sign of some serious issues with your vehicle. In this post, I’ll break down the common causes of that sulfuric stench and what you can do to get rid of it.
Too long; didn’t read (TL;DR)
While the smell isn’t great, the practical implications of an egg smell wafting from your car are costly. Usually, this symptom is the result of a failing catalytic converter, which regularly costs $1,000 or more to replace. We recommend you get this checked out quickly.
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Symptoms and causes
If your car smells like rotten eggs, it’s likely due to a problem with the catalytic converter, fuel pressure sensor, fuel filter, or even old transmission fluid. The smell is caused by trace amounts of hydrogen sulphide in the fuel that isn’t being properly converted into odourless sulphur dioxide.
Some common signs that accompany the rotten egg smell include:
- Poor gas mileage;
- Difficulty starting or accelerating;
- Check engine light illuminated;
- Loud exhaust noise.
The most likely culprit is a faulty catalytic converter. The catalytic converter’s job is to convert harmful exhaust pollutants into less harmful substances. If it becomes clogged or damaged, it can’t properly process the hydrogen sulphide, leading to that rotten egg smell.
Other potential causes include:
- Faulty fuel pressure sensor sending too much fuel into the system;
- Clogged fuel filter leads to a buildup of sulphur deposits;
- Old, leaking transmission fluid (in manual cars);
- Actual rotten eggs or dead animals in the car.
What is involved in the repair
To get rid of the rotten egg smell, you’ll need to replace the faulty part causing the issue. This could mean:
- Installing a new catalytic converter;
- Replacing the fuel pressure regulator or fuel filter;
- Changing the transmission fluid and fixing any leaks;
- Removing rotten food or animal remains.
Diagnosing the exact problem may require the expertise of a skilled mechanic. They can use diagnostic tools to pinpoint the issue and recommend the appropriate repair.
It’s important to address the rotten egg smell promptly, as it can be a sign of hazardous exhaust leaks or other serious problems. Breathing in hydrogen sulphide fumes is harmful to your health.
What is the rough cost of these repairs in New Zealand
The cost to fix a car that smells like rotten eggs in New Zealand can vary depending on the root cause and the make and model of your vehicle. Here are some rough estimates:
- Catalytic converter replacement: $500 – $2500+
- Fuel pressure regulator replacement: $200 – $500
- Fuel filter replacement: $100 – $200
- Transmission fluid change: $150 – $400
- Exhaust leak repair: $100 – $500+
Keep in mind these are just ballpark figures. The actual cost could be higher or lower based on factors like the severity of the damage, the specific parts required, and labour rates.
Why My Auto Shop is the best place to get your car fixed
At My Auto Shop, our mobile mechanics make getting your car fixed easy and convenient. We come to you, whether you’re at home or at work, saving you time and hassle.
Our team has the expertise to quickly diagnose the cause of that rotten egg smell and get your car running right again. We use high-quality parts and our workmanship is backed by a warranty.
We pride ourselves on transparent, upfront pricing so you know exactly what to expect. And with our outstanding customer service, it’s no wonder we have a strong Google rating.
Don’t let that rotten egg smell linger – book an appointment with My Auto Shop today and let us get your car smelling fresh again!