If you’ve ever asked yourself this question when hopping into the car, or a friend has asked with a polite wrinkle of the nose after climbing in, you might want to get that checked out. Here are 3 easy ways to diagnose a “car smell” with relative ease. We’re not saying you shouldn’t get it looked at, we’re saying “Hey, don’t panic.” You’re not like that lady who mistook a raccoon for her cat, on a scale from 1 to creature in the house, you’re probably alright.

1. Smell exhaust?

It might be time to check your exhaust. Exhaust leaks can be specifically hazardous as carbon monoxide is toxic for people, as well as family pets. If you smell exhaust, bring it on in. There could be a hole in anything from the muffler to the tailpipe of your vehicle.There may be another portion of the exhaust system that’s been worn down over time that could be allowing exhaust to filter into your car. Bad news, but if the problem is solved, you’re in the clear.

2. Ew… Rotten eggs.

Smell sulfur (or rotten eggs)? Might be time to replace your catalytic converter. Yet another moment where you’ll need to bring it in to a professional. Usually suffer means there’s a problem with your catalytic converter – it’ll probably need replacing. Generally we would have to cut the converter at both ends after the engine cools and replace it with a new converter. There are other culprits for this particular smell though – your engine may be running too hot or your fuel pressure regulators may be broken.

3. Just gasoline?

Gasoline smell – if you didn’t just spill at the pump – usually means there’s a problem with the car. Seems elementary but, in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you may be tempted to shrug it off and hope it just goes away. We’re not sure it’s worth putting off – you may have just flooded the car. If you smell gasoline and the car is also not starting, trying waiting a few minutes then try starting again. Oftentimes the smell comes from beneath the hood. If you’re comfortable taking a look, pop the hood after letting the car sit overnight and look carefully for stains that gasoline may’ve left after evaporating. For your safety, please do not smoke while looking for these leaks, it’s hot enough without added flames.

Check out “Do You Smell That?” Part II.