What Causes the Smell of Engine Oil Inside the Car?
2 Answers
Here are the specific reasons for the smell of engine oil inside the car: Overfilled Gasoline: Gasoline may flow into the carbon canister through the pipelines. The carbon canister, originally designed to collect gasoline vapors, will release excess gasoline vapors through the ventilation holes when invaded by liquid gasoline. When the air conditioning is in the external circulation mode, the smell of gasoline can enter the car. Gasoline Pipe Leakage: The smell of gasoline may enter the car through the air conditioning system. Leakage usually occurs at the connections between pipes. If there is leakage at the connection points, dust will accumulate on the surface, forming oil sludge, which can be observed when opening the engine compartment. Replacement or Disassembly of the Gasoline Pump: The smell of gasoline inside the car may be caused by residual substances not being cleaned thoroughly after disassembly or replacement. It is necessary to visit a repair shop to check if the gasoline pump is installed correctly.
Yesterday, I smelled a pungent engine oil odor while driving, which really startled me. As a commuter who drives dozens of kilometers daily, my first thought was safety hazards. The most common cause of engine oil odor is leakage from the engine or transmission, such as aging or cracked seals, or an improperly tightened oil filter, allowing oil to enter the cabin through the ventilation system. Not only is this smell unpleasant, but in severe cases, it can even lead to fires or engine failure. I recommend pulling over immediately to check the oil dipstick to see if the oil level is low, and then taking a quick glance under the car for any oil stains. If you spot any issues, don't risk continuing to drive—call for a tow truck and head straight to a professional repair shop. After driving for so long, unusual odors are often warning signs of trouble, so never take them lightly. Regular maintenance can prevent such issues, like checking oil line seals every six months.
