I Regularly Shop Estate Sales With My Mom—These 7 Finds Now Define My Home Décor

Pier 1 Accent Chair and Driftwood-Inspired Side Table

Not everything at an estate sale is necessarily “old charm.” In fact, I picked up this beautiful Pier 1 accent chair and a driftwood side table at two separate sales for a total of $100. Both perfectly suit my cottage-coastal aesthetic and have even become part of my daily routine. Each morning, I love brewing up a latte and kicking back in my cozy chair to enjoy it, while my accent table always showcases a vase of fresh florals. (A year later, I even found a coffee table from Wayfair that coordinates perfectly!)

Vintage Wine Decanter and Glasses

I’m in my hosting era and am a firm believer that every home that entertains guests needs a chic bar setup. Aside from the essentials like wine charms, a bottle opener, and cocktail napkins, it’s always fun to add your own personality into the mix. Mine called for a vintage wine decanter and glass set. I found one that has total Anthropologie vibes—but for the mere price tag of $10! It’s my go-to set whenever I have a dinner party or backyard cocktail gathering. I’m constantly asked, “Where did you get this?”

Royal Worcester Regency Blue China and Pot Set

My friends and family will tell you that whenever I host, I take tablescaping very seriously. I’m always on the lookout for whimsical napkin rings, vases, runners, candles, and even china sets to update my place settings. One of my favorite estate sale finds to-date is my Royal Worcester Regency Blue china set, complete with 24-carat gold trim, which I picked up for $50. (You can pick up the same set on replacements.com for $1,200.00!) I usually place the plates atop the gold plate chargers I have from my wedding.

While I love setting up my china on my long farm table for special dinner parties and occasions, I also enjoy seeing it through my glass kitchen cabinets on a daily basis—the set is truly a work of art and an amazing conversation piece.

Vintage Throw Blankets

While my sectional and dining table are brand-new, I turn to estate sales for that extra-creative touch. The right accents help strike the ultimate balance between chic and comfort. For example, I recently swapped out my beloved IKEA sectional for an adult-worthy upgrade: the POVISON Retro Hand-Tufted Beige Chenille Sofa. Its sleek, elevated design commands attention and really opens up my living space. I found just the right yellow floral throw blanket at a sale that works perfectly with a set of throw pillows I picked up at HomeGoods. Remember—it takes several moving parts to achieve just the right look, and “estating” is a major part of the process.

A Collection of Vases

Another fun fact about me? I’m undeniably obsessed with fresh flowers—so much so that you’ll always find a vase or two filled with fresh blooms of the season in my home each week. Spring and summer are when I thrive, since I can easily head outdoors to cut deep blue hydrangeas, white limelights, and colorful echinacea from my garden to fill my vases.

Vases can be pretty pricey. A collection of three at Pottery Barn can cost roughly $69. Most of mine are $2 to $5 treasured estate sale finds. I love plain glass vases of various sizes and heights to group together—and I’m always on the lookout for blue and yellow pieces, especially when working with neutral bouquets. I’ve picked up quite the collection—my vases even have a dedicated shelf in my home decor closet!

Outdoor Coffee Table

Since my home decor is a mix of both old and new, it made perfect sense that I’d bring the same look outdoors. Once I officially wrapped up my backyard patio renovation, decorating was at the top of mind.

I love a neutral base with pops of patterns and colors through accent pieces like throw pillows, blankets, and tablecloths. While I opted for a brand-new Cozey Mistral Six-Seater Sectional in the sandstone/sandcastle colorway, I paired it with a Pottery Barn concrete and acacia wood coffee table—along with the cover—that had only been used for one season. It’s the perfect shape for the sectional and serves as a solid base for candles, wine glasses, and apps when my husband and I are hosting guests. (It retails for almost $1,400, and I got it for a mere fraction of the cost!)

Naturally, a trip to HomeGoods also ensued, where I found the most beautiful collection of Serena & Lily-esque pillows.

Colorful Glass Orbs

Sometimes, I head into an estate sale with a wishlist, and instead, leave with the most unexpected treasures. My glass orbs are a prime example. I was hoping to find a wind chime and fell in love with these hand-blown, colorful glass works of art. They reminded me of orbs I loved on Wayfair—but not the $56 price tag.

I purchased mine for just $4 each and hung them from a holly tree in my backyard. I admire them year-round from my kitchen windows and enjoy them even more when kicking back on the patio throughout the warmer weather months. The sun sets right behind them, so at the end of each day, a dreamy light shines through the glass, further illuminating the colors. They certainly add a whimsical touch to my garden.

FAQ

What items should you avoid at an estate sale?

It’s important to remember that you’re not shopping at a store and anything you purchase is final sale. Check out the item you are considering with a cautious eye and make sure the size will fit in your space and there’s nothing wrong with it. (It’s important to plug any electronics in to make sure they work before purchasing.)

That said, most items you come across—especially decorative vintage pieces—are truly one-of-a-kind. If you pass something up, you may not find another. It’s also important to be respectful with offers. Any price you’d like to present is fair game, but be reasonable. If your offer is not accepted, you can ask to leave your contact information so they can reach out if they re-consider.

How to find estate sales in your area?

Facebook Marketplace (and local tag sale groups on the platform), Craigslist, EstateSales.org, and EstateSales.net are great resources to find when and where local sales are taking place. In addition, most companies have email lists so you can sign up and be notified of upcoming sales whenever you visit one.

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New to the Neighborhood? 8 Simple Tips to Help You Meet New People

Don’t Hesitate to Introduce Yourself

You’ll be dealing with a lot on moving day, but don’t underestimate the power of introducing yourself right away to your new neighbors. This shows you’re open to new friendships and avoids any misinterpretation that you’d rather be left alone. “My client, moving into a new neighborhood, introduced herself to the next-door neighbor while walking in the gate with a lamp in hand. The resulting ten-second interaction led to a friendship that’s lasted for years,” says Rhodes.

Go For a Walk

Who doesn’t love a relaxing walk around the neighborhood? In addition to fresh air and exercise, a simple walk is a low-effort way to meet the neighbors. “Neighbors meet and socialize outside – sidewalks and driveways are the true neighborhood hangouts,” says Rhodes. The walk allows for a natural meet-up, where you can happen upon a neighbor working in their yard or watching the kids play, rather than a forced interaction that can be awkward or intimidating.

Drop Off a Gift

Ideally, your new neighbors will stop by and welcome you to the community with a gift, but there’s no reason why you can’t be the gift-giver instead! “Small gifts help start conversations in a way a mere introduction doesn’t,” says Rhodes. “It can be a bag of cookies, plants you took from your previous garden, or a handwritten note with your name and telephone number on it.” A gift is a great way to make a connection, while also sharing a little about yourself and your hobbies.

Take Advantage of Community Resources

Your new community is more than just your direct neighbors. Attend an HOA meeting, check out the neighborhood Facebook group, visit the local farmer’s market, and look into community programs and events at the library. Chances are you’ll get involved in some fun activities and meet like-minded friends.

“A thirty-something-year-old client of mine chose a particular community because of the book clubs and children’s activities at the local library,” says Rhodes, “And within three months, she felt like she belonged there.”

Visit Local Retailers

Becoming a regular at a local restaurant or coffee shop can help you quickly feel more at home in a new area. And it’s even better to check out the local retailers before you move. “Looks can be deceiving – a perfectly designed residential area with manicured lawns can be practically deserted in reality,” says Rhodes. “Conversely, less impressive communities can still have excellent coffee shops, parks, and other community amenities that are actively used by residents.”

Get Involved at the School

If you have kids, one of the best ways to get familiar with the community is to get involved at the local schools. Join the PTO, volunteer in the classroom, or help with an upcoming dance or other event. Not only will you get to know the people interacting with your kids, it’s another opportunity to meet and befriend community members and create a sense of belonging.

Do Your Research

Of course the best way to settle into a new community is to ensure it’s a good fit to begin with! Before you purchase a house, do your own research on the neighborhood to ensure it has what you’re looking for. “Spend an afternoon walking the neighborhood, sitting in a park, and observing your surroundings,” says Rhodes, “Look for signs that the community is safe and friendly: does anyone smile at passers-by? Do people keep their front lawns well-groomed? Are families with children around? This will help you better understand whether or not the particular community would be suitable.”

Don’t Overthink It

Settling into a new neighborhood can be daunting and those first interactions might feel stilted or awkward; but your effort will be well worth it in the long run. “Community connections help prevent loneliness that’s becoming a major issue among people who moved to new homes and communities,” says Rhodes, “The knowledge that you’re surrounded by three or four people who know your name and will help you out in times of need can be priceless.”

About the Expert

• Sain Rhodes is a real estate professional at Clever Offers with experience in sales, operations, and leadership. A significant amount of her time is spent helping clients settle into their new neighborhoods after closing on a home sale. Sain combines deep industry knowledge with a passion for helping clients and teams succeed in today’s competitive market.

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The Homeowner’s Guide to Every Filter That Matters in Your House

Furnace Air Filters

The most important filter to maintain in your home is the air filter in your HVAC system. When clogged, it won’t properly catch dust and allergens. A neglected filter also restricts airflow to the furnace, causing it to work harder, which can raise your energy bill and lead to broken parts and overheating.

“We see hundreds of service calls every year that could have been prevented with regular filter changes,” says HVAC and plumbing specialist Aaron Adams. A good rule of thumb is to check your furnace filter every month or two, and replace it every three to six months.

Whole Home Humidifiers

If your HVAC system includes a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier, remember to address those filters, too. “They usually only need to be replaced once a year, right before the heating season for humidifiers and right before the cooling season for dehumidifiers,” says HVAC and vent cleaning specialist Ryan Osterkamp.

Air Conditioners

Regardless of whether you have central air, a ductless mini split or a window unit, check and clean your AC filters every four to six weeks. For central air and mini splits, Greenwood also recommends an annual professional clean-and-check. “Proper maintenance helps prevent costly repairs, maintains indoor air quality and ensures consistent comfort,” she says. Also, don’t forget to remove debris from the outdoor portion of AC systems.

Air Purifiers

Standalone air purifiers rely on clean filters to trap allergens, airborne particulates and harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Most models will alert you when its time to change or clean the filter, but you can also check filters visually every few months to see if they look dirty. Also, Greenwood recommends replacing them once a year, even if the warning light hasn’t yet illuminated.

Water Filters

Your home likely has a couple of water filters, including those in whole-home or under-sink filtration systems, as well as refrigerators with automatic ice-makers and water dispensers. For whole-home systems, “If the water from your main water supply can’t pass through the filter, you may find that the pressure in your showers and faucets drops off,” says Adams. Most water filters are DIY-able, but occasionally more complicated systems require the help of a professional plumber.

Faucets

If you notice uneven water flow or poor water pressure coming from your faucet, it’s likely that the small screen in your aerator is clogged. “An aerator’s main purpose is to control water flow, but they also catch debris and larger particles,” says Osterkamp.

To check and clean them, simply unscrew the cap on the end of the faucet and use a toothbrush or towel with vinegar to scrub away debris.

Clothes Dryers

Cleaning the dryer lint filter after every load ensures clothes dry quickly. It also keeps the machine from working too hard, which otherwise reduces its lifespan and introduces a fire risk. Unless you have a heat-pump model, you also need to clean the filter where the hot air gets released, which is either through a vent on the outside wall or into an indoor dryer vent box. Heat-pump dryers also usually have a secondary lint filter, which isn’t always obvious.

Washing Machines

If you have a front-load washing machine, chances are it has a drain pump filter. Look for it near the bottom front, behind a panel. Some older top-load washers also have filters along the top rim or inside the agitator.

“If your washing machine is regularly tackling dirty sportswear or pet fur, you’ll maximize its performance by cleaning the filter monthly,” says Adams. “For lighter use, you can probably get away with once a quarter.”

Dishwashers

Cleaning food and debris from the filter in your dishwasher is usually a quick and simple task. “If you’re running it more than once a day, you’ll keep bad smells away and have your dishes the cleanest with monthly filter cleanings,” says Adams. Otherwise, every month or two is ample. Look for the filter under the bottom rack, and clean it in the kitchen sink, using a soft brush and dish soap.

Septic Systems

Cleaning septic system filters is an unenviable task. Luckily, it’s one the pros can do during their routine maintenance checks (which you should schedule every three to five years). “Many people with septic systems don’t even realize this system has a filter, too,” says Adams. But, “A clogged septic filter can lead to a back up in the home that can cause thousands of dollars in damage.”

Exhaust Fans

The exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens don’t necessarily have filters, but it’s important to routinely clean them. Built up grease, dust and debris make them less effective at moving air, which can lead to humidity and mold issues, especially in the bathroom. It also makes them work harder, which can create a fire hazard.

Vacuum Cleaners

Not cleaning a vacuum filter is a sure way to overheat the motor and break the machine. But before that happens, you’ll be harming your home’s air quality, since clogged vacuums spread dust and allergens through the air. Many vacuums have at least a couple of filters, for larger particles and fine dust. Don’t forget to also check the hoses for blockages and the belts for strings and hair.

About the Experts

• Brooke Greenwood is director of product management for Carrier’s Residential Business, leading strategy and development for residential heating and air conditioning products.
• Ryan Osterkamp is owner of Quality Comfort Home Services, which offers HVAC, plumbing and vent cleaning services in southern Ohio and eastern Indiana.
• Aaron Adams is CEO of Aaron Services: Plumbing, Heating, Cooling in Georgia, where he loves to educate the public about all things plumbing and HVAC.

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This Father and Son Built a Deck in One Week–And It’s Stunning

In Family Handyman‘s series DIY Diaries, real DIYers share the projects they’re most proud of. They recount the full story—from laying out the initial plans and wrestling with frustrating setbacks to celebrating their proudest moments. These candid accounts reveal the true ins and outs of DIY, and will leave you with practical tips that’ll give you the confidence to conquer your next build.

This edition of DIY Diaries comes from within our very own community. Reader Cary Mark spoke with us about taking on a family project: a DIY deck. Mark self-describes as a DIYer who tries “to take on projects that I feel are not way over my head, but are still a bit outside my comfort zone.”

In this case, that project came about when Mark’s son reached out with a proposition. He and his wife had a large section of their yard covered by grey rock, “and they thought a deck would be better for entertaining and would be easier on bare feet.” After some back-and-forth brainstorming, Mark flew out for a week to help with the build.

The Project Stages

What was the inspiration for this project?

Mark’s goal was to “help my son build a really nice deck that he and his wife could enjoy.” This wasn’t Mark’s first deck project; that would be a different family project. Previously, “I built a ground-level deck with my brother on our childhood home with pressure-treated wood.” This time around, Mark “thought it would be fun using Trex and learning about the hardware used to attach the decking so there are no nails/screws showing on the top deck boards.”

Walk me through the stages of this DIY deck?

This project was fairly straightforward. After the design and details were hammered out, Mark’s son ordered the materials so that they arrived at the same time Mark did, and the two were able to get started right away.

The project moved quickly, too; it took “a total of two full days to complete the project, other than some minor finishing details.” Since the project came together so quickly, there weren’t any setbacks. Aside from waiting a bit for the final plugs to cover the exterior holes in the Trex boards, everything arrived on time and came together smoothly.

What’s one aspect of this project that intimidated you until you tried it?

While this project wasn’t particularly intimidating, it did involve learning a new technique. Mark says that “using hidden hardware to attach the top decking boards was new to both of us.  I had only used nails on the other deck that I built years earlier.”

Are there any budgeting hacks you used?

When it comes to saving money, building a deck with Trex board, Mark found that “if you purchase a wide Trex board for the perimeter, the price is much higher than using two narrower boards and putting them together.” A little creativity and some extra time planning can go a long way towards cutting costs!

Was there a specific moment during the project where you felt the most proud?

Mark is equally proud of the timeline and the quality of the final product. It can be easy to make a small mistake or wrong measurement that doesn’t show up until the end, but in the case of this DIY deck, “the miter joints on the corners were tight, and even the very last board that we installed at the end was still running parallel with all the other deck boards.” And because the deck came together so well and so quickly, “we were able to use the deck for a Fourth of July celebration the day after it was completed!”

If you could have a do-over on this, what would you change? 

That pride in craftsmanship doesn’t necessarily mean Mark wouldn’t change anything. Being a self-described perfectionist, Mark says, “I might have tried to make the very last board on the decking the same width as the other boards.” It’s not necessary, but it would have allowed for hidden hardware on the final deck board instead of the screw holes and matching plugs to cover them.

Advice to Aspiring DIYers

What’s one piece of advice you would give someone before they start a similar project?

Mark’s advice to DIYers looking to take on a project like this is to do their research first. If you “search out other people who have done this to get ideas and tips,” your planning process will go much more smoothly. Mark also says, “There are also a lot of good sources on the internet and in books.”

What project is next for you?  

Mark’s next project is also set to be a family one: “My son is talking about installing a couple of underground gutter downspouts with pop-ups in his yard on my next visit out to see him, since I have done this to our house.”

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Tool Trials: How Fast Does This Portable Tire Inflator Really Fill Tires?

Portable, battery-operated tire inflators are one of those tools you don’t realize how much you’ll use until you own one. I made the jump a few years back when the tool brand I use launched a portable inflator that used the same battery platform. Since then, I’ve pulled it out for every low bicycle tire, pool floatie, and yo-yoing seasonal tire pressure light that’s come across my path.

So when I came across the Powools tire inflator — a small, compact, USB-rechargeable device that claims it can do the majority of what you’d want a tire inflator to do, all for 20 bucks —while surfing Amazon a couple of months ago, I hit the buy now button to see if those claims were legit or just full of hot air.

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Tool Trials

Powools Portable Tire Inflator

A compact cordless tire inflator with 150 PSI, a rechargeable battery, built-in LED light, and auto shut-off for precise inflation every time.

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The Tool

The Powools Portable Tire Inflator is a compact (2-3/4-in. wide x 5-1/4-in. tall x 2-in. deep) inflator that weighs roughly a pound. It comes with a storage bag, a USB-C charging cable, an air hose, four separate nozzles and adapters for bicycle tires and sports equipment, and a user manual. It features five preset inflating modes, an onboard rechargeable battery, and a built-in LED flashlight.

The $20 standard-capacity inflator (you read that right — less than a lunch outing to Chipotle) claims it can reach up to 150 PSI, top off 6 PSI on a standard car tire in less than a minute, and inflate two car tires, 25 bicycle tires, or 60 sports balls on a single charge. Bold claims for a twenty-dollar tool. Time to find out if it could back them up.

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How I Tested It

I wanted to put this thing through the wringer, and the simplest way to do so was to see if it backed up the “6 PSI in under 1 minute” and “two car tires on a single charge” claims. I was also curious about how long it would take to charge back to full, and, since tire inflators are basically small compressors with a piston, I wanted to see how loud it was.

First up, the two inflation tests. On the 6 PSI tire top-off test (Powools claims a 30–36 PSI range, but my wife’s Subaru’s tires only go to 33 PSI, so I tested 27–33 PSI), full inflation took 1:39 — definitely a bit longer than the 1 minute Powools claimed. The two-tires-on-a-single-charge test also didn’t fare as well as the brand claimed. I deflated two tires on my wife’s Subaru to 6 PSI each. With a full battery, the portable tire inflator fully inflated one tire to 33 PSI but only partially inflated the second to 21-1/2 PSI. So the two inflation tests were a bit lackluster.

But both the charging test and loudness test fared much better. A completely dead battery hit 70% (when the icon reaches full) in 26 minutes and full-full in around 40 — quite speedy. And for the loudness test, the tire inflator came in between 71 and 75 decibels (according to a free decibel app on my tablet), which is not only quieter than most of the tools in my shop but also much quieter than the other tire inflator I own.

The Verdict

The Powools tire inflator is a great little tool. It’s compact, incredibly inexpensive, and foolproof to use. Yeah, it didn’t quite live up to some of the bigger claims Powools drew up. But honestly, we aren’t a pit crew on a racing team, so spending the extra 39 seconds to top off my wife’s tire is water under the bridge. Its size and design make it ideal to keep with you on bike rides with friends, ATV rides into the wilderness, or just tucked in your glove box for peace of mind. For twenty bucks, it’s the kind of tool that earns its keep just by being there when you need it.

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How Americans Ended Up With $1.6 Trillion in Car Debt (And Why It’s Getting Worse)

Many Americans live somewhere where driving is a necessity. As nice as it would be for everyone to live in 15-minute cities, the unfortunate reality is that most U.S. infrastructure forces many people to need cars. And that often means financing a car. Recent studies have found that Americans carry a lot of auto loan debt, around $1.68 trillion. Sure, some of that is because cars are getting more and more expensive, but is there more to this number than that?

How Big of a Deal Is Auto Loan Debt?

To start, let’s put that $1.68 trillion into perspective. In a new report, Fortune notes that nearly “one in four Americans are paying off auto debt.” The report then says that this number is “on par with all outstanding federal student loan debt ($1.69 trillion of federal debt and $1.84 trillion total) and ahead of credit card balances ($1.28 trillion outstanding as of last year).” In fact, according to the numbers, “cars are rivaling everything else in terms of debt bondage for everyday Americans.”

Why Do Americans Have So Much Auto Loan Debt?

Some of this debt can be blamed on rising prices. Fortune notes that automobiles in particular are an example of “an item that has fast outpaced inflation since the pandemic.” Compared to 2018, the average monthly car payment has risen roughly 40%, from $506 to $680. For lower-income households, the overall car debt may also be bigger due to the need to “spread payments out over longer periods.” When the average car price is “almost $50,000, a 30% increase since 2019,” it’s sometimes necessary to take out a seven-year or longer auto loan, and that means paying far more in interest.

The used-car market is also seeing higher prices, limiting consumers’ options. Fortune reports that “while used car inflation has moderated somewhat since its peak in 2022, prices are still 29% higher than before the pandemic.” Shopping around on Facebook Marketplace or other third-party sites may still prove fruitful, but it’s not without its risks. Many sellers prefer to be paid in full in cash, which may not always be feasible. And with the rise of generative AI, scam listings are more prolific than ever.

Fortune also reports that there’s been a significant change in who’s buying new cars. “Last year, just 37% of people in the market for a new car had salaries smaller than six figures, down from 50% in 2020,” they report. This is in contrast to high-earners, where “the share of buyers with incomes exceeding $200,000 rising from 18% to 29% over the past six years.”

Source

Americans owe $1.68 trillion on car loans — more than credit card debt and as much as all federal student loans, Fortune, 2026.

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Here’s What That Strange Smell in Your Car Could Be Telling You

As far as I’m concerned, one of the perks of buying a new car is the “new car” smell that comes with it. I love it, but I have friends who characterize the smell as a noxious mixture of industrial chemicals. No matter, because eventually that fragrance goes away, and any subsequent car smells are often the result of what the car owner brings into the vehicle. However, most drivers have had the experience of detecting a strange odor that seems to come from the car itself, and not from the pizza in the back seat, and wondered if it’s something to worry about.

“If you’re noticing a strange smell,” says automotive repair technical advisor Steve Haney, “it’s usually a sign that something within the car needs attention. Like most vehicle issues, these problems shouldn’t be ignored. The longer you wait, the more complex and expensive the issue becomes to fix. And depending on the smell, you could be causing extensive damage to the engine.”

In this post, Haney and automotive information provider Jon Vorisek explain the likely causes of various odors and what they could be indicating about your car.

Why Paying Attention to Smells Matters

Most modern cars have sophisticated computers that continually scan systems for malfunctions, but they don’t catch all of them, and drivers have to remain alert. “Even though advanced diagnostics are really helpful for today’s vehicles, basic human senses still give us a lot of information,” says Vorisek. “Smells in particular can tell us a lot about what’s happening, and they often mean there’s a problem.”

How to Diagnose a Car Smell

Diagnosing car smells comes down to being attentive, identifying the smell and attempting to locate the source, says Vorisek. Sometimes you can find it yourself by looking under the car or under the hood, or simply following your nose. But sometimes you need help.

For instance, if you smell gasoline and see fluid dripping from under the car, the problem is pretty obvious: The fuel system is leaking. However, if you don’t see any drips, the smell could be coming from inside the car — specifically the engine. And if it’s in the engine, figuring out the problem — which could be a fuel mixture that’s too rich, or something more serious, like a ruptured fuel line in the engine compartment — is a job for a mechanic.

Common Car Smells and What They Mean

Sweet / Syrup-Like Smell

This is the smell of anti-freeze, and when you detect it, it almost always indicates a problem with the cooling system. A hose could be leaking, or maybe it’s the radiator or heater core. If you keep driving, all the coolant could eventually leak out, causing the car to overheat.

Burning Oil Smell

This sounds like one of the more dangerous car smells, but it usually isn’t. The engine is hot when it’s running, and any oil that gets on it because of a spill or a failing gasket will burn. This is something that needs attention, but it usually isn’t an emergency. However, warns Haney, if the leak is severe, it could be a fire hazard. “There are dozens of places where oil could leak from under the hood, and any one of those could give you a hot oil smell. It’s always best to get it checked by a professional if you aren’t able to see anything easily.”

Rotten Egg / Sulfur Smell

This smell could be caused by a failing catalytic converter or corroded battery connections. If it’s coming from your tailpipe, the cause is probably the catalytic converter, and it could signal other issues. “Most likely,” says Haney, “your Check Engine Light would be lit at this point.”

When the smell comes from the battery, it’s usually due to severely corroded terminals or an acid leak. Either way, Vorisek advises replacing the battery.

Burning Rubber Smell

Belts, hoses and other key components in the engine and elsewhere are made of rubber, and rubber burns when it overheats. If the smell is coming from the engine, pop the hood and check for a frayed or loose belt or a hose in contact with the engine block.

The smell could also be coming from the suspension, tires or braking system. The easiest-to-diagnose possibility is that the tires are severely under-inflated, which you can tell just by looking at the car, says Haney.

Burning Plastic Smell

When you smell burning plastic, suspect the electrical system. The wires are coated with plastic insulation, and it can melt or even burn when a wire overheats. “If this is happening,” says Haney,, “you would probably also see the lights in your vehicle flickering, or experience electrical components that simply don’t work at all.” He recommends that you don’t wait: take the car to a mechanic with the proper diagnostic equipment as soon as you can. Electrical issues can cause car fires.

Musty / Moldy Smells

A particularly sensitive friend of mine recently bought a used car that had suffered a leak through the windshield, and she spent $500 on deodorizing the vehicle. It had a musty smell she found intolerable that had been caused by water soaking into the carpeting. Leaks are a common cause of musty odors, but the A/C system can also produce them, especially if the cabin filter is clogged.

“While this isn’t mechanically dangerous,” says Haney, “it’s unhealthy to breathe moldy air, especially if you have young passengers or passengers with asthma.” My friend would agree with that.

Gasoline Smells

Yes, gasoline smells can come from a fuel leak, but smaller problems, like a loose gas cap or a faulty EVAP system in the fuel tank, could also be responsible. If you don’t see any dripping, and your car is performing normally, you can usually rule out fuel system issues, but Haney warns: “Gasoline exposure is harmful to your health, so if this is a repeat issue while driving, you will want to have your car serviced soon.”

Preventative Maintenance to Avoid Bad Smells

You can avoid many odor-related issues with regular professional maintenance. While changing your oil and filters, technicians may notice other developing issues that can result in bad car smells down the road. “The easiest smells to prevent ahead of time are moisture-related ones,” says Vorisek. “You can replace the cabin air filter, keep debris like leaves from collecting on the vehicle, and make sure spills are cleaned up and dried quickly.”

FAQ

Is it normal for a car to have any smell?

When the “new car” smell has subsided, most cars have a neutral odor. Keep in mind, though, that a car with its windows up is basically a closed system, and any odors that occupants bring with them are bound to be noticeable. Strange car smells could be coming from bags of groceries, pets, cleaning agents, or something equally inconsequential.

Can weather or seasons affect car smells?

“Seasonal conditions can absolutely affect bad smells in your vehicle, either activating the problems or exacerbating existing issues,” advises Haney. “In winter and spring, when it is wet outside, there may be more trapped moisture within your car, leading to mold and mildew. In the summer, heat intensifies all smells and your car is at a bigger risk of overheating, which can cause some of that sweet coolant smell, or the smell of burning rubber and plastic.”

About the Experts

• Steve Haney, who has more than 35 years of hands-on automotive repair experience, is a corporate technical trainer at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket.
• Jon Vorisek is the founder of Repair Surge, an automotive service information provider covering more than 10,000 vehicle models. He has over twenty years of experience in the automotive industry.

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