You’re driving down the highway and suddenly you begin to smell something awful or hear a strange noise coming from the front of your vehicle. What could be causing these? It’s clear that you have a problem, but don’t panic just yet. They may turn out to be something simple. Let’s take a look at what could be causing these smells and noises.

A rotten egg odor means you have an overly rich fuel mixture. The smell is a result of the catalytic converter being too cold to properly burn off the engine’s rich mixture. If you smell this, you should get your vehicle serviced immediately.

A burnt plastic odor could be caused by overheated wiring. To find out for sure, turn off all the electrical accessories and see if the smell goes away. You can also check by removing every fuse in the vehicle’s fuse box and feeling for evidence of a heat problem in them one at a time. If that doesn’t seem to be the problem, smell each wheel for dragging brakes.

An acid smell emanating from your tailpipe indicates there is a coolant leak in your combustion chamber. If you smell this type of odor, keep watching your coolant levels to prevent a possible fire.

A chemical smell coming from inside or outside your vehicle after you drive it could be caused by coolant leaking from the heater core located inside the vehicle. This could also cause an oily film to appear on the windows inside the car.

A burning leaf odor is the result of leaves getting into your heater duct and then falling against the blower motor resistor. Removing the resistor and getting rid of any leaves there should get rid of the odor.

If you smell something coming from your vehicle, you should take it to a qualified mechanic for a checkup. If they are unable to track down the odor, it may be the result of something being spilled inside the vehicle and all you will need to do is have your vehicle professionally cleaned. If you still have the smell after a professional cleaning, then you may need a second mechanical opinion. It is possible the first mechanic missed something.

In addition to funny smells coming from your vehicle, you may on occasion hear funny noises. Let’s take a look at what some of these noises could be.

A scraping noise could be something as simple as a rock getting caught in the rotor or a worn brake pad rubbing on the rotor. Just to be on the safe side, have it checked by a mechanic.

A knocking or clicking noise could be the result of damage to your inner CV joint. You will hear this noise when you go over 50 mph. If you hear this noise at slower speeds, especially when you turn, your wheel bearings may be damaged. If you do not hear this noise when you turn, you may need to check your driveshaft center bearing.

A backlash snapping noise could be the result of a loose timing belt.

A clunking noise when you accelerate could be the result of a broken engine strap or mount.

A rattling noise could be the result of a loose timing belt. When the belt hits the belt housing, you will hear a rattle or knocking noise.

A clunking, buzzing or rattling noise could mean your exhaust system is not installed properly.

A chirping, rattling or squeaking noise when you first start your vehicle or when you use an accessory could mean you have a loose, glazed or slipping fanbelt.

Under-the-hood engine noises could mean your pulleys, A/C compressor or power steering pump may be misaligned or you have broken brackets for the alternator.

If you feel vibrations at speeds around 45 mph, you could have a driveshaft imbalance.

If you experience any of these smells or noises, check with a qualified mechanic to make sure there is not something more serious wrong with your vehicle. After all, that’s what they are trained for.