How to Sniff Out and Eliminate Bad Car Odors

After the stolen car was recovered and repaired, it still had a strange odor. The non-smoking owner discovered that the thieves had smoked up a storm. Is there any way to permanently eliminate cigarette smoke odor and other bad smells in a car's interior? Roth Schleck, owner of Premier Auto Tops and Interiors, a Diamond Certified company, says that a thorough detailing job is a good place to start and will fix many odor problems.

Deodorizers can help for faint smells. For persistent odors, the source must be located and addressed. For example, cigarette smoke rises and permeates headliner material so the material may need to be changed to rid the car of the smell. Mr. Schleck says most odor problems can be fixed, but in some cases, getting the smells out completely may cost more than you're willing to pay.