Sour Smell in My Car – What Could It Be?

Ownership and Maintenance
1

I’ve been noticing a sour smell coming from my car lately, and it’s really starting to become a concern. I’m hoping someone here can help me out.

Possible Causes

From what I’ve gathered, there are a few potential culprits behind this sour odor:

  • Mold or Mildew: This is something often associated with the air conditioning system, especially if there’s been moisture build-up.
  • Battery Issues: A sour smell can sometimes come from leaks in the battery, particularly with certain types of batteries that can emit such odors if they’re leaking.
  • Interior Materials: It’s possible that the materials inside the vehicle might be breaking down or have absorbed some moisture, leading to unpleasant smells.

What I’ve Tried So Far

To tackle this issue, I’ve done a few things:

  • I used odor neutralizers and sprays recommended for car interiors, but the smell persists.
  • I checked the air conditioning system and ran it on high with the windows down to try and dry out any moisture.

Seeking Help

Has anyone experienced something similar? What steps can I take next?

  • Are there any specific diagnostic tips to determine the source of the smell?
  • If it’s mold, what cleaning methods have worked for you?
  • Should I be concerned about battery leaks?

I’d appreciate any insight or personal experiences you can share. Thanks in advance for your help!

6 Likes
2

I’ve had a sour smell in my car before, and it turned out to be a moldy sandwich hidden under the seat. Check for any forgotten food items or spills.

3

That sounds familiar! I once found a half-eaten donut under my floor mat that had turned into something unrecognizable. Yikes!

4

Besides food, check your AC system. Sometimes, mold builds up there and can cause an awful smell when you turn on the air.

3 Likes
5

This is a great point! I had the sour smell due to mold in my car’s HVAC system. It was a relief to fix that!

5 Likes
6

Yep, don’t forget the carpet! If there’s any spilled drinks, they could be the source of the smell. Consider steaming it.

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7

True! I spilled some juice once, and it took weeks to get the smell out. Really pay attention to those carpets!

6 Likes
8

A sour smell could also be linked to a dying battery or even leaking fluids. Have you checked under the hood?

9

That’s an interesting angle! I never considered that a battery could produce a smell.

10

When in doubt, just clean everything. Use a deodorizer spray as well, which can help mask some odors while you investigate.

11

Absolutely! A good clean can sometimes work wonders. Plus, it’s a great excuse to finally vacuum out that car!

12

I had a friend who thought her car was haunted because of a sour smell. Turns out, she just needed to clean her cup holder.

5 Likes
13

That’s hilarious! A haunted cup holder is definitely a new one! :joy:

14

You might also want to consider checking for leaks in the coolant or other fluids that can cause sour smells as well. Best to rule that out.

15

Great reminder! A friend had a similar issue and it turned out to be a cracked radiator. Catch it before it becomes a big problem!

2 Likes
16

My brother once found a moldy gym bag in his trunk. Good luck diagnosing that smell folks; it may take some digging!

17

That sounds so gross! I’m always afraid of what’s lurking under my car seats. Time to investigate!

18

I had a sour smell in my car once that turned out to be mold on the upholstery. I used a mixture of vinegar and water to clean it, and it worked wonders!

19

Great tip! I’ve also used baking soda for odors. Just sprinkle it on the seats and vacuum after a few hours.

20

Have you checked your floor mats? Sometimes they hold odors, especially if they’re wet. Washing them thoroughly might solve the problem!