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Why does my car smell like exhaust when it’s idling?

While sitting in my car this morning, I noticed I could smell my car’s exhaust from inside. Why does my car smell like exhaust when it’s idling?

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Melanie Mergen · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
If your car has an exhaust smell, it’s not just unpleasant—it could be harmful to your health, so it’s not a problem you want to ignore. There are a number of different reasons your car could have a strong exhaust smell when idling. A few common culprits include:
  • Clogged or faulty catalytic converter
  • Air/fuel ratio is off
  • Exhaust system leak
  • Faulty door/window seals
You can troubleshoot these items yourself however, these issues tend to be time-consuming and complicated if you aren’t familiar with car mechanics. It may be best to have a
trusted mechanic
do a diagnostic test on your vehicle.
As you continue looking after your car, download the
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