PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Why does my car exhaust smell like paint thinner?
Over the last few weeks, I’ve noticed a weird smell coming from my car’s exhaust and I’m a little worried because I don’t know what it means. Why does my car exhaust smell like paint thinner?
Chloe Jenkins · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Your car’s exhaust is a vital part of the vehicle running smoothly, so when you have strange smells coming from it, it’s always a cause for concern.
There are a number of reasons why you might be getting this paint thinner smell from your exhaust and the most likely is bad oxygen sensors.
If the oxygen sensors are the cause, you will probably notice some rough sounds or irregularities while you idle. This is because your oxygen sensors help monitor and control the air/fuel mixture that allows your car to run smoothly. When this sensor no longer works, the mixture of fuel and air becomes off balance and it will produce this paint thinner smell.
The best thing you can do about this problem is to take your car to a mechanic. They can properly assess the damage and get started on repairs.
While you’re waiting for your car to be serviced, take a moment to check out the [Jerry] app and find out how much you can save on your [car insurance] premium.
Once you download Jerry, just answer a handful of questions that will take you roughly 45 seconds to complete and you’ll immediately get car insurance quotes for coverage similar to your current plan. Jerry customers save an average of $887 a year.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies