On contacting your engine, coolant emits billowing clouds of white smoke that come out of the tailpipe. A distinct, often pungent smell can signal an exhaust leak in your vehicle The most common smell associated with an exhaust leak is a strong, pungent odor resembling that of gasoline
Why Do I Smell Exhaust Fumes at Samantha Kaye blog
This smell occurs because the unburned fuel escapes through the leak, creating a noticeable and often unpleasant scent that can permeate the vehicles cabin and the surrounding area.
If you can smell gas while driving, you probably have exhaust fumes (from a leak before the catalytic converter) slipping into the cabin
You may get a smoky smell if the leak is after the catalytic converter. Exhaust leaks can happen at any point along your car's exhaust system They can carry several different types of smells, depending on where the leak has occurred and the condition of your exhaust system An exhaust leak can smell like burning metal or rubber from a failed manifold gasket.
If it’s finding its way into the cabin, there’s a leak in the system — cracked pipe, bad gasket, or rusted muffler Sometimes it’s a bad trunk or door seal letting gases get sucked in.
