Burning Smell From Car: Explained

Be it burning plastic or burning rubber, a burning smell coming from your car isn’t just unpleasant – it's a warning sign.

Read on and learn about the different types of burning smells your car can produce and what these mean for your vehicle’s health.

 

Burning Oil Smell From Car

If you can smell hot oil, this usually means that oil is leaking and settling on a hot part of the engine or exhaust system.

You should check your dipstick for an indication of your car’s oil levels and look under your car for any signs of a leak.

Be sure to have the problem repaired by a professional mechanic soon, or else your vehicle could be in for a lot more damage.

 

Car Smells Like Burning Oil But Isn't Leaking

If your car smells like burning oil but there’s no leak, then any of these issues could be the cause:

• Seized brakes
• Low engine oil
• Overfilled engine oil
• A burning clutch
• Failing electrical components

A professional mechanic will be able to determine the cause and provide a solution for you.

 

Burning Smell From Car But Not Overheating

If you can smell burning from your car but it isn’t overheating, then any of the following issues could be the cause:

• A clogged catalytic converter
• A loose belt
• A coolant leak
• A burning clutch
• Seized brake caliper
• Rodents in the engine
• A bad alternator
• A faulty AC compressor
• A fluid leak
• Old engine oil

Different engine and exhaust system faults can result in different types of burning smells.

A mechanic will be able to determine the cause of the smell for you.

 

Car Smells Like Burning Rubber

A smell of burning rubber can indicate that the engine belt is slipping, or a hose is loose and touching a hot part of the engine.

Your vehicle needs to be checked by a mechanic so that any loose parts can be tightened up.

 

Car Smells Like Burning Carpet

If you can smell burnt carpet during normal driving, then your brakes are probably to blame.

Your brake pads could be dragging if something has broken or become misaligned.

As brakes are an essential component for your vehicle’s safety, you need to have this checked by a mechanic right away.

 

Car Smells Like Burning Plastic

A burning plastic smell can occur if a plastic part comes loose in the engine and is affected by extreme heat.

Worn brake pads – or brand new ones that are still to be used – can also be the cause.

In the case of new brake pads, you should open the windows to let the fumes out.

 

Burning Smell From Car Heater

If you smell burning plastic coming from your car heater, then the issue could be an overheated clutch or brakes.

The issue could also be burning oil.

To fix this problem, you will need to have the failing part replaced.

If the smell is non-plastic burning, then it is possible that leaves or other materials have built up in the heater box – though the cabin air filters in most modern vehicles should prevent this.

A professional mechanic will be able to advise you further.

 

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