BURNING SMELL IN CAR: THE MOST COMMON REASONS AND SOLUTIONS
All breakdowns in the vehicle can be divided into two groups — explicit and implicit. The first type includes the burning smell in the car and visible problems. But the second is determined only by a specialist at the service station. In this article we will tell you about the obvious problems that are indicated by an unpleasant aroma.
Why does my car smell burnt? The most common reasons
What causes a burning smell in the automobile? We’ve highlighted 7 general causes:
1. Friction of belts or tires.
2. Clogging of the ventilation.
3. Low-quality oil, its shortage or leaking.
4. Melting of plastic due to high temperatures.
5. Problems with electrical wiring.
6. New pads or their dynamic use.
7. Blown gaskets or exhaust pipes in the engine.
How to define what exactly happened and whether it is necessary to go to the service station urgently? Try to understand what the burning smell from the car reminds you of. This might tell you where to search the issue. Now let’s analyze the disseminated types of odors, the reasons for their appearance and options for extrication.
Burnt rubber smell from the car
Burnt rubber has an acrid and chemical scent. It's usually very distinct, so you'll smell it as soon as something wrong happens.
We’ve identified 4 main reasons why your car smells like burning rubber inside:
1. Belts
Most parts are connected by belts. Starting the auto, the engine turns them and the system works. If the harness is skewed, protrudes and touches other parts, then it heats up during the rubbing, and you can notice the smell of burnt rubber in the car. In this case, you should immediately go to the service station. Otherwise, the belt will burst and spoil the parts, and it will cost much more to repair them.
To avoid such a situation, change all belts according to the regulations of the manufacturer.
2. Problems with the air conditioner
One of the reasons for the obnoxious odor from the air conditioner is debris that has accumulated in the ventilation and obstract the air. Due to this the mechanism heats up. The belt, which drives the system, overheats and begins to melt.
To prevent it, do a technical inspection and check the level of Freon twice a year. To clean the vent well, use technical spray Bizol AC Clean+ c30. You can do it yourself in the garage, you don’t need to contact a mechanic. The product effectively cleans A/C systems and eliminates bad scent.
3. Tires
If the cinders are coming from the tires, inspect the outside of the wheel. You’ll see the rubbing area and it will indicate the reason for the burning rubber smell from the car. It could be wheel misalignment, disk damage, suspension wear or the rubber. At that rate, put the spare on and go to a tire shop.
To hinder this, do a technical inspection and alter the rubber in the vehicle on time.
4. Clogged radiator
In the cold season, when drivers turn on the heater, they can feel a nasty scent. It emanates out of accumulated debris. Therefore, it is normal for the first 10-15 minutes. If the aroma increases or does not pass away, then it is worth consulting specialists.
For quick self-cleaning, use Bizol Radiator Clean+ r70 radiator additive. The composition has special cleaners for the entire cooling circuit. It effectively dissolves dirt, oil and lime. It also protects the cooling circuit well and is suitable for all cooling systems in automobiles.
1. Belts
Most parts are connected by belts. Starting the auto, the engine turns them and the system works. If the harness is skewed, protrudes and touches other parts, then it heats up during the rubbing, and you can notice the smell of burnt rubber in the car. In this case, you should immediately go to the service station. Otherwise, the belt will burst and spoil the parts, and it will cost much more to repair them.
To avoid such a situation, change all belts according to the regulations of the manufacturer.
2. Problems with the air conditioner
One of the reasons for the obnoxious odor from the air conditioner is debris that has accumulated in the ventilation and obstract the air. Due to this the mechanism heats up. The belt, which drives the system, overheats and begins to melt.
To prevent it, do a technical inspection and check the level of Freon twice a year. To clean the vent well, use technical spray Bizol AC Clean+ c30. You can do it yourself in the garage, you don’t need to contact a mechanic. The product effectively cleans A/C systems and eliminates bad scent.
3. Tires
If the cinders are coming from the tires, inspect the outside of the wheel. You’ll see the rubbing area and it will indicate the reason for the burning rubber smell from the car. It could be wheel misalignment, disk damage, suspension wear or the rubber. At that rate, put the spare on and go to a tire shop.
To hinder this, do a technical inspection and alter the rubber in the vehicle on time.
4. Clogged radiator
In the cold season, when drivers turn on the heater, they can feel a nasty scent. It emanates out of accumulated debris. Therefore, it is normal for the first 10-15 minutes. If the aroma increases or does not pass away, then it is worth consulting specialists.
For quick self-cleaning, use Bizol Radiator Clean+ r70 radiator additive. The composition has special cleaners for the entire cooling circuit. It effectively dissolves dirt, oil and lime. It also protects the cooling circuit well and is suitable for all cooling systems in automobiles.
Oil burning smell from car
Different types of oils are used to lubricate parts. If you sense an oil burning smell from your car, it has got on a hot surface or has become unusable.
Causes of this include:
If the leaks are coming from under it, just tighten it well.
This problem is identified by a mechanic. The only option to solve it is to replace the part.
Then it needs to be completely replaced.
Which Bizol product is better to use for the engine, and which for the transmission, we will tell you below, when we regard the causes of such odors.
Don't forget to do oil changes in your vehicle. Contact a trusted expert and the risk of such problems will be minimized.
Burning plastic smell in car: reasons and solutions
If you are reading this paragraph, then most likely you wonder: “why does my car smell like burning plastic?”. There are quite a few plastic parts in an auto, but there are some that are exposed to high temperatures and melts.
Reasons why you sense burning plastic smell in car:
1. Melting vent or resistor plastic. When the motor overheats, the plastic that is around it begins to melt. Figure out why it overheats and the problem will disappear.
2. Plastic fuses. There may be a situation when the fuse does not blow, but the cover starts to melt because of poor quality assembly. To solve the problem, replace the fuse.
3. Plastic that is subjected to frequent friction heats up. Such as elements on the doors, hatches, seats and upholstery. An unpleasant odor is removed with Bizol PTFE+ L50 universal aerosol for the treatment of metal and plastic parts. It has a low coefficient of friction and has high mechanical and thermal stability. Also technical spray Bizol Universal+ u40, which has good penetrating and cleaning properties, helps. It cleans and lubricates plastic or metal, and the protective membrane that remains after application reduces the intensity of friction.
lubricates and protects
dissolves deposits, displaces humidity
effective against rust and corrosion
dissolves lime and dirt deposits
compatible with all sealing materials
cleans and protects the cooling system
Burning electrical smell in car
My car smells like burning electrical! The wiring has started to melt somewhere, as it is spread all over the automobile, it is difficult to determine the source of the problem at once. The first thing to do is disconnect the terminals from the battery to eliminate the current voltage and prevent more serious problems, such as catching fire. Then bring an electrician to your vehicle or take the automobile to a STOP with a tow truck and identify the cause through a special computer.
The appearance of this aroma may be different. The first thing that comes to mind is really wiring. In this case, it is worth immediately inspecting the entire interior of the automobile and checking all the nooks and crannies. But the issue may be in other things, for example, overgassing, sharp braking, oxidation of contacts in the heater unit, etc. Don’t ignore even a slight unusual odor, contact a mechanic and always carry a fire extinguisher.
Why does the car smell like burning hair
Why does my car smell like burnt hair? Such a scent is emitted by brake pads dusting while friction. This often happens when you hit the brakes hard, when the brake caliper jams, and when you forget to remove the parking brake.
If you have just put on new pads, you may also hear a similar whiff. It will be heard until the top layer of resin on the pads wears off.
Keep an eye on the brake fluid, then the parts will work properly and will not lead to dire consequences. We recommend Bizol DOT 4 LV, it has a low viscosity, which allows you to increase and decrease pressure faster. Suitable for brake systems such as ABS, ASC, ESP, ESC and EBD.
- high safety reserve thanks to increased boiling point
- exceptional braking performance
- long-lasting protection of all brake components
Burning smell from car engine
A burning smell from your car engine may imply that it needs to be cleaned. Accumulated dirt on a hot engine begins to burn and an unpleasant odor can be sensated. There can also be mechanical problems.
Possible reasons:
1. Burned exhaust manifold gaskets or exhaust pipes.
In the case of gaskets, only a complete replacement of them with the right ones will help. If the holes on the tubes are small, they can be soldered, else new ones will have to be installed.
2. Used or bad oil.
Fill your automobile with high-quality oil only. It will help to extend the life of the motor and other parts. Also use special additives that will contribute to better operation of mechanisms. The range of Bizol products includes oils for cars, trucks and buses. There is also a product for hybrids and vehicles with a start-stop system. Green Oil+ line is adapted to the conditions of urban driving, so your "iron horse" will serve for a long time.
Burning smell from transmission
Have you smelled a distinctive burning odor on the move while shifting gears? It is a burning smell from the transmission. This may indicate such malfunctions:
1. Damage to the sealing elements.
Because of this, oil leaks and burns. The problem is detected in two ways: to look under the automobile and to see spots from drops on the asphalt. To understand exactly which element is leaking fluid, go to a service station. There you will be helped to eliminate malfunctions.
2. Old, used oil.
In this case, a complete oil change will be required. To be sure of its quality, buy Bizol Allround Gear Oil MTF 75W for manual transmissions and Bizol Initial Gear Oil GL4 80W-90 for use in spur bevel and worm gears.
- pressure-stable lubrication protection even at hot temperatures
- excellent protection against oxidation and thermal stress
- excellent wear protection with high fuel saving potential
- best temperature/viscosity properties
- reduces wear and running noise
- very good anti-ageing and chemical stability
Is it possible to continue driving if there is a burning smell in the car
If you feel the burning smell inside the car, it may be technically possible to continue driving, but it is very dangerous. There are a lot of flammable substances in the automobile that trigger a fire. It is better to bring a mechanic or get the vehicle to the service station by tow truck.
To avoid any burning scent in your automobile follow three rules:
1. Get a full vehicle inspection every year.
2. Change the oil fluid on time and keep track of its level.
3. Pay attention to any external changes.
Now you know the main reasons why you have a burnt smell from the car. Some of them are really serious and need immediate solution, and some of them are temporary phenomenon. Always reinsure and check the car, you should not independently "diagnose" and determine the problem, then solve it. Use additives, cleaners and quality oil from Bizol.
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