Why Does My Car Have a Burning Smell?

Vehicles can produce a variety of worrying smells, from the smell of excess exhaust fumes to the sweet odor of burning coolant. If you catch a whiff of some unknown smell from your vehicle, your mind likely starts running over all of the possible scenarios. 

While no odor from a vehicle is “normal”, none may be more disconcerting than a burning smell. In this article, we’ll go over the possible causes of a burning smell in your vehicle, how these issues occur, and how the issue could potentially impact your vehicle. 

Possible Causes of a Burning Smell in Your Vehicle

Burning Oil

Possibly the most common cause of a burning smell in any vehicle is oil, which can leak and burn off in a variety of ways. 

In many cases, this odor of burning oil will be due to an external oil leak allowing oil to drip from the engine onto the hot engine or exhaust components. This oil burns away immediately, depriving your engine of crucial lubrication and producing a strong odor. 

Other times, the leak may be internal. This can occur when components like piston rings, valve seals, or the head gasket fail and allow for oil to seep within the combustion chamber. Not only will this cause a strong burning odor, it will also rapidly consume oil, leaving your engine without proper lubrication and susceptible to failure. 

If you notice what seems to be burning oil, check your oil level to ensure it’s still above the minimum volume, and have your vehicle inspected by a trusted automotive professional. Letting this issue linger only increases the chance of complete engine failure. 

Leaking Coolant

Similar to motor oil, coolant continually runs in a closed loop while the vehicle is operating. When any of the lines, seals, gaskets, or components holding the coolant wear down or experience damage, it can cause coolant to leak from the system and onto hot components which burn it off in seconds. 

Of course, this can also lead to more serious issues, as running your engine without an adequate amount of cooling can cause it to overheat and potentially lead to irreparable engine damage. 

The smell of burning coolant tends to be much different than burning oil, as it will produce a slightly sweet smell. Some say this odor is similar to burning marshmallows or graham crackers. If the odor your vehicle is producing carries this sugary smell, you’re most likely looking at an issue with your cooling system. 

Worn Clutch

In manual vehicles, a burning smell can sometimes be attributed to the clutch plate. The clutch relies on an abrasive friction surface to create a strong link between the flywheel and input shaft. With use over time, this friction surface will gradually degrade and lose its abrasive properties. Oftentimes, a burnt-out clutch is due to riding the clutch while driving, which causes both overheating and rapid wear.

Driving on a worn or overheating clutch can produce a strong smell due to the burning of the clutch’s friction plate. Continuing to use a burnt-out clutch will cause further issues such as a spongey clutch feeling, slipping gears, and jerky shifts. 

Serpentine/Accessory Belt

The accessory belt, also known as the serpentine belt, is used to drive the vehicle’s accessory system. Driven by the engine, the belt connects to various pulleys to provide rotation to components like the A/C compressor or water pump.

When this rubber belt slips off one of these pulleys, it can cause the belt to rub against metal components and generate friction, slowly melting the belt as it continues to run. The smell is far from the only issue though, as a failing accessory belt may leave crucial components like the water pump without power. 

Electrical Issues

Few problems in a vehicle can be as dangerous as damaged or shorted wiring. Whether due to failed wiring or poorly installed aftermarket electronics, electrical smoke is a telltale sign that you should stop the vehicle immediately. 

Unfortunately, pinpointing the source of an electrical issue can be like finding a needle in a haystack. With countless possible failure points, electrical diagnostics can be a tedious and time-consuming process. If you’re experiencing smoke from your wiring, you should have it inspected by a trusted professional as soon as possible. Letting electrical issues linger is a common cause of vehicle fires, and should be avoided at all costs. 

Diagnostics & Repair in Naperville, Illinois

If you’ve noticed a burning odor coming from your vehicle, don’t delay taking it to Becker Service Center in Naperville for precision diagnostics and high-quality repair. Our technicians have extensive experience diagnosing all sorts of concerning sounds, sights, and smells that could be coming from your vehicle. give us a call or schedule online today to secure a spot with our friendly and knowledgeable team!