Imagine you climb into your car and start it up. Suddenly, you get unusual popcorn-like smell from inside. You think, “Why does my car smell like popcorn? Well, it is not actually any common occurrence. But for sure, it can indicate some serious problems with your car. I have found some car owners complaining about this issue on different community forums.
Then, what are the reasons for popcorn smell in a vehicle? In short, it may happen for overheated engine, oil leakage, low oil levels, melted coolant, and worn-out clutch. You should inspect the reasons thoroughly and take necessary precautions to avoid mishaps.
Of course, cars can produce different smells based on how you drive and the conditions of their parts. And most of these smells are harmless. But if you fully ignore them, some worrisome thing will change your driving experience. So, please read this blog to find out the reasons for the popcorn smell and remove it from your vehicle.
How to Identify or Locate a Popcorn Smell in Your Car
Has the smelly thing happened earlier, or is it new to your nostrils? Does it really resemble the popcorn you love to eat? Okay, I am explaining how you can identify a popcorn-like smell without further ado.
Locate the source of smell first to identify its traits. Check if there is any sign of damage, leaks, or overheating. In this case, I suggest you check the engine compartment, as it can be the primary source of the popcorn smell.
Next, keep your eyes open to find any melted, burnt, or loose wires, hoses, or components. There may be oil or coolant drips or strains, too. For further inspection, look for cracks or punctures in the radiator, water pump, or thermostat housing.
Exhaust systems can be another source of popcorn smell. Look for any damage or clogs in the catalytic converter, muffler, or tailpipe. Sometimes, these things may have carbon deposits, black soot, leaks, holes, or unusual sounds.
The last thing I suggest is checking the interior or the air conditioning. Do not miss inspecting moisture or water leaks in seats, carpets, and mats. You may also check dashboards, consoles, vents, or windows. Often, mold or mildew in these areas can be the location for popcorn smells.
Other Smells That May Be Confused with Popcorn
Once you locate the source, you must differentiate the smell from similar smells. In this case, focus on the details and characteristics of the smell.
For instance:
- A burnt rubber smell may be more pungent and rubberier than a popcorn smell.
- An oil smell may be oilier and greasier than a popcorn smell.
- A coolant smell may be sweeter and fruitier than a popcorn smell.
- A burning oil smell often appears with smoke.
- An electrical burning smell is sharper and acrider than a popcorn smell.
If you can identify the characteristics, finding the reasons and possible solutions will be more accessible. Anyway, the popcorn smell in your car is usually pungent, acrid, and persistent. It may occur when you drive the car or shortly after you turn it off.
Scientific Explanation
Well, according to Compound interest,
“The smell of popcorn is primarily attributed to the chemical compounds 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. It has a roast, popcorn-like aroma, (E, E)-2,4-decadienal, with a fatty, fried aroma and 2-furfurylthiol. In isolation, it may have a roasted coffee-like aroma.”
Royal Society of Chemistry says 2-acetylpyrazine also contributes to the smell of roasted popcorn. However, the compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline is also found in the urine of bearcats. And this urine smells like popcorn (1, 2).
In some cases, the smell of popcorn could be a warning sign from the body. It may indicate an impending seizure (3).
Common Causes of Car Odors
Usually, rotting food, a dead animal, or decaying organic matter are the common reasons for food-like smells in cars (4). Even if you have left some food leftovers inside the vehicle for a long time, it will cause peculiar scents (5).
Sometimes, you may smell odd aromas due to a health condition called “phantosmia.” People with this issue may have olfactory hallucinations as they may have problems with their nose, nervous system, or brain (6, 7).
Now, you may wonder why you get the popcorn scent from the car. I hope you are not a patient with phantosmia, right? Otherwise, read the discussion below.
Exhaust System Issues
A common cause of popcorn smell is any problem with the exhaust system.
For instance, your exhaust system may have a damaged or clogged catalytic converter, muffler, or tailpipe. Again, a faulty oxygen sensor, exhaust leaks, or rust are also why you get popcorn aroma from your car (8).
These problematic components can cause a smell due to incomplete fuel combustion. Again, they may cause an accumulation of carbon deposits in the exhaust system.
Oil or Fluid Leaks
Well, leaks in your car can lead to various smells, including the popcorn smell. If oil or other fluids leak onto hot parts of the car, they can produce a burnt smell that resembles popcorn.
Suppose there is any issue with gear oil, differential fluid, power-steering fluid, and brake fluid. Then, they can also be reasons for fluid leaks, which eventually cause popcorn smell (9).
Some other reasons for these leaks are broken or worn-out gaskets, a leaking oil drain plug, and wear and tear of engine parts (10). Also, the oil filter or rocker (valve) cover gaskets are often the culprits of oil leaks (11).
However, cracked or punctured components, corroded fittings, or low coolant levels are some reasons for coolant leakage. And this leakage can be a factor in having a popcorn smell inside the car.
Mold or Mildew Growth
The following reason for getting a popcorn smell is mold or mildew growth. This nasty stuff may grow from moisture or water leaks in the interior or the AC. Rain, snow, spills, condensation, or humidity may cause these leaks.
You should avoid those mildews if you have health problems like allergic reactions, respiratory infections, or asthma attacks.
Engine Overheating
When the engine overheats, it can cause various elements to melt and create a popcorn-like smell. It may also cause belts and hoses to melt and generate that smell.
Some reasons for an overheated engine are a low coolant level, a bad radiator fan, a broken thermostat, a broken water pump, or a blown head gasket (12, 13,14).
Clutch Wear and Tear
A worn-out clutch can sometimes produce a popcorn smell in manual transmission cars. If the clutch slips or is not fully engaged, the friction material on the clutch disc can start to burn. When the clutch slips, the engine revs, but your car doesn’t accelerate as it should (15).
Another symptom is when the clutch pedal engages higher up than usual. It may also exhibit unusual behaviors like being stiff or soft (15). Moreover, a bad or failing bushing or pilot bearing may cause problems like other transmission or clutch issues (16).
How to Prevent or Eliminate a Popcorn Smell in Your Car
If you can find the sources and prevent the causes, you can quickly eliminate the popcorn smell from your car. That’s the primary way. Now, I will explain how to eliminate this smell – completely!
Cleanliness
When did you last time clean your car? If you hardly remember, clean the car and dry it off properly. Then, remove any trash, food, or spills to prevent mold and mildew growth.
A clean and dry car can prevent moisture accumulation and unpleasant smells. In this case, you can use different odor-neutralizing products to bring back a fresh smell. Also, keep windows open to allow fresh air inside the car after cleaning it.
Fix Leakages, Damages, and Wears
If you find any of them, fix them as soon as possible. I suggest you follow the manufacturer’s advice for maintenance and service. If you maintain the vehicle properly, your car may stay away from oil leakage, coolant leakage, electrical problems, and exhaust system issues.
No Harsh Driving
No, I am not suggesting you bunk your favorite driving style! Yet avoiding driving in harsh or extreme conditions can be a good idea. Also, you can park your car in a shaded or covered area. Sometimes, a sunshade or a window cover can guard your car from heat and UV rays.
Once you have a cool and protected car, it will not have issues like overheating, melting, burning, or warping the parts. So there will be no popcorn-like smell.
Conclusion: Why Does My Car Smell Like Popcorn?
I hope you have understood things, though the scientific part was difficult to understand.
You should always start with identification if your car has a musty or popcorn-like smell. Then, follow my instructions to identify the causes.
Once you know the causes, take the necessary measures to eliminate the aroma. If the popcorn smell persists despite your best efforts, you seek professional help.
Thank you for reading this article. Good Luck!
