Why does my car smell like fish?

I’ve recently started noticing this weird fishy smell coming from my car, and it’s really got me worried. At first, I thought it might just be some leftover food or something, but the odor keeps coming back.

I’ve done a little digging, and I found out that a fishy smell could mean a couple of things:

  • Coolant leak: Apparently, coolant can have a sweet yet fishy smell if it’s leaking somewhere.
  • Electrical issue: Some people said this could be related to a problem with wiring that might be overheating and producing a smell similar to burnt fish.
  • Microbial growth: Another avenue I read about was mold or bacteria growing in the AC system, which can also cause odd odors.

Has anyone else experienced this? What should I check first? I want to make sure that it’s nothing serious. Any advice or suggestions would really help me out!

Thanks!

I’ve experienced this before! A fishy smell can often be traced back to mold in the air conditioning system. It grows in the AC drain line, so you might want to get that checked.

That’s interesting! I hadn’t thought about the AC. Has anyone else had it happen and fixed it?

4 Likes

Yes! I had a similar issue and it turned out to be a dead fish left under the seat. Don’t underestimate the power of leftover food! Check your car thoroughly.

Wow, that’s extreme. Did you really find a fish? That’s a bit incredible.

A fishy smell could also be from mold or mildew. It’s best to look under the mats and seats. I’ve encountered mold in the past, and the smell can be really persistent.

That’s a good point. I’m worried that it might be something serious. What if there’s a leak somewhere?

Definitely check for leaks! If you’re not sure where the smell is coming from, a good cleanup and inspection is essential. It might prevent bigger issues down the road.

Good advice—I’ll do a thorough check tonight! Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone!

Could be a combination of things, like food remnants AND AC problems. I once found a forgotten sandwich that made my car smell terrible! So check everything.

Haha, I can relate to that! Hopefully, it’s just something small like that. No dead fish, please!

Seriously, this might sound silly, but I also recommend checking duct tape. My friend had a similar smell from where they’d accidentally used it to seal something! It was bizarre.

8 Likes

That’s not silly at all! Your friend’s experience highlights how anything can contribute to weird smells. I’ll definitely check for duct tape.

Has anyone thought about getting their car detailed? Professionals might find and address the smell much quicker than we can ourselves.

That’s a good point! Sometimes, a professional clean can works wonders that we don’t see on our own.

Just keep in mind, if the smell persists, it might be worth having a mechanic check it out. You never know what you’re living with!

2 Likes

Agreed—better safe than sorry! I’d hate to find out something serious after ignoring it!

I recently had a similar issue! A fishy smell in the car can indicate mold or mildew, especially if you’ve spilled something. It’s important to check for dampness in the upholstery.

6 Likes

This is so true! It could also relate to something rotting in the air conditioning system. Definitely get that checked out!

Could it be something related to a previous load of groceries? I’ve heard that some seafood can leave a lingering odor. Just a thought!