Burning Smell While Driving? Here’s What Your Car’s Telling You
PCO cars have to deal with stop-and-go traffic and long driving hours daily, which can sometimes overwork the car parts.
Car components wear over time; once wear exceeds safe limits, overheating, friction or leaks can produce burning odours or failures.
As a PCO driver, these issues can cause breakdowns and interrupt your driving hours. The problem can escalate and lead to costly repairs if not fixed in time. If you are on a PCO car hire plan, neglecting the issue can also lead to a fine from your car provider.
This article discusses different types of burning smells in cars to help you identify potential issues in time. Let’s discover what each smell means.
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Article Highlights
Here are the main reasons for burning smells in cars:
- Overheating engine
- Burning oil
- Worn-out brakes
- Clutch slipping or burning, and more.
Overheating Engine
It’s a sweet, syrupy smell mixed with metallic heat caused by burning coolant. It usually indicates an issue with the radiator or thermostat. A spike in the temperature gauge or a red warning light is also common when the engine overheats. However, overheating can start before you notice these signs in some cases.
What to do?
Pull over, but do not open the hot radiator cap. If you do that, hot coolant will immediately spray you and burn you. Let the engine cool first, then check your coolant level. If the level isn’t low, the issue may need professional inspection. Driving further without resolving it can destroy the engine.
Also Read: When to Replace Your PCO Car: A Guide for London PCO Drivers
Burning Oil
Burning oil smells stinging and bitter, like burning tar. When the engine is running, you may also see blue smoke from the tailpipe or smell oil vapour. This results from engine oil dripping onto hot car parts like the exhaust manifold. The problem is often due to worn seals, gaskets, or loose fittings.
What to do?
Safely pull over and turn off the engine. Once cool, check the oil level via the dipstick. If low, top up (but understand this is a temporary measure). Look for visible oil leaks (wet patches, drips, oil staining). Contact your car provider or a trusted mechanic to diagnose and repair the leak (replacing seals, gaskets, or repairing the source) before serious damage occurs.
At Fleeto, our certified technicians check brakes, tyres, and engine performance and fix small issues before they become big problems. Every car in our fleet meets high safety and reliability standards. This helps reduce the risk of breakdowns and keeps you on the road and earning without worry.
Electrical Short or Malfunction
This smells like melting plastic or burning vinyl. The smell is sharp and chemical, caused by overheating electrical wires or melting insulation. If you don’t resolve the issue in time, it can lead to electrical failure.
What to do?
Stop driving and inspect the fuse box. A blown fuse is a sign of a short circuit. Ignoring the issue may cause a fire that can burn the whole vehicle.
Worn-Out Brake Pads
If your brake pads are worn out, you will smell a sharp, metallic scorching smell caused by extreme friction. The smell usually means that the brake pads are completely gone. You may also hear a harsh noise, meaning metal grinds against the brake rotor.
What to do?
Get the brake pads and rotors replaced. Driving with worn brakes is dangerous for you, passengers, and other road users.
Clutch Slipping or Burning
This smell resembles burning rubber or hot paper. It’s usually caused by friction when a slipping or overheating clutch is stressed due to wear, misuse, or a mechanical fault. The problem is often the result of a pressed clutch when driving.
What to do?
Book a clutch inspection. A slipping clutch can fail at any time, and that repair is far more expensive. Also, make sure that the clutch is not pressed when driving.
Transmission Fluid Leak
This smell is similar to burnt toast. It usually results from Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) leaking onto hot exhaust or engine parts. As a result, gear changes may become harsh or erratic. An obvious sign of transmission fluid leak is a red fluid puddle under the car when parked.
That said, gear shifting issues aren’t always caused by transmission fluid leakage. Low fluid or degraded fluid may also cause this problem.
What to do?
Check the transmission fluid. Consult a professional if the level is low or the fluid looks burnt. Neglecting the issue can destroy the car’s transmission.
Stuck Brake Calliper
This results in an intense, burning rubber smell. A stuck brake calliper generates extreme heat, leaving the affected tyre hot.
What to do?
Stop the car, as continuous driving could lead to brake failure. The excessive heat can also start a fire. Have the car towed to a workshop for repair. If you are on a PCO car hire plan, inform your car provider to get roadside assistance.
Also Read: Why Breakdown Cover Is a Must in Your PCO Car Hire Contract
Debris Caught in the Exhaust System
The smell is similar to burnt plastic. It’s usually caused by a plastic bag or flammable debris stuck on the hot exhaust. The smell often gets worse when the car is idle, as there is less airflow. However, it disappears when the exhaust system cools down.
What to do?
Pull over and let the exhaust system cool down. Next, inspect the undercarriage. Remove any debris you see around the exhaust pipes. This is a simple fix. If the smell persists, then the car needs a professional inspection.
Malfunctioning HVAC System
HVAC systems usually have two smells. If you smell something dusty, it is usually harmless. This smell is usually just dust burning off the heater core when switching on the heat after a while. On the other hand, a sweet, coolant smell from the vents is serious. It indicates that your heater core is leaking.
What to do?
A leaking heater core means coolant vapours are contaminating the cabin air, making it unsafe to breathe. The leak can also affect your car’s cooling system and lead to engine overheating. The best solution is to replace the heater core.
Conclusion
These smells are early warnings that something is wrong with your car. Addressing them quickly can help you avoid costly repairs later. If you are on a PCO car hire plan, a timely report of the issue to the car provider minimises downtime and keeps you earning. So, pay attention to what your car is telling you and stay proactive. Your income depends on it.
While safety is a priority, in some minor cases, you might drive a short safe distance to a mechanic.
Start Earning Today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my car smell like something’s burning while driving?
A burning smell usually indicates overheating, friction, or leaks in parts like the engine, brakes, clutch, or electrical wiring. Identifying the type of smell can help locate the exact issue early.
Is it safe to keep driving if I smell something burning?
No. It’s best to pull over safely and inspect the cause. Continuing to drive can lead to serious damage or even fire, especially if it’s an electrical or brake-related issue.
How do I know if the burning smell is from my brakes?
If you notice a sharp, metallic smell after braking, especially during long drives or heavy braking, it may mean your brake pads are worn out and need replacement.
Can a transmission problem cause a burning smell?
Yes. A burnt-toast smell may come from leaking or overheated transmission fluid. Low or degraded fluid can cause gear issues. So, have it checked as soon as possible.
What should I do if the burning smell comes from the air vents?
If it smells dusty, it’s likely harmless. But a sweet coolant smell means a leaking heater core, which can contaminate cabin air and cause overheating. The core needs replacing.
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