There may be several reasons associated with the burning smell in the car, which we may not yet know. For example, such a smell occurs when two surfaces rub against each other. In some situations, you can fix it yourself. In other cases, we recommend immediately using the services of the nearest auto service. But how to distinguish between each case?
Burnt smell from the clutch
The clutch is a car part that operates under conditions of constant and intense friction. The clutch is subject to constant load, both when the car starts moving and when the engine is running at high speeds.
One of the causes of the burning smell may be the clutch, for example, during slippage. The source of the smell may be the friction linings of the clutch disc. The smell will resemble burnt paper, since the friction linings are a paper-based composite material.
Don’t panic right away; this only means that the friction linings have heated up and oxidized slightly due to friction. Over time, they will recover, and the clutch will continue to work for a very long time. Complete wear of the clutch is not accompanied by a burning smell. The main thing is to avoid running the engine at high revs for a long time (for example, slipping or prolonged acceleration in a low gear), and then your car’s clutch will last a long time.
Brakes as a cause of a burning smell
Your brake pads can also be the cause of a burning smell in the car. This usually happens when you brake hard and for a long time. When descending a steep hill for a long time, you ride on the brakes, and that’s why the brake pads overheat. This is not serious, but we still recommend learning to brake with the engine.
If a burning smell appears during normal driving, it is most likely due to one of the brake pistons that is pressing the brake pad against the disc. Also, check to see if you have released the handbrake. If you feel the wheel rims with your hand, the hotter one is the source of the stench. In this situation, it is better to take your car to a service center.
The smell of electrical wiring
This burning smell may be caused by a short circuit in your car’s electrical circuit. Insulation, plastic coating on wires, fuses, or other connections can cause the smell.
The solution to this problem is quite simple. All you need to do is fix your car’s electrical system to avoid serious problems. Be sure to turn off the engine and tow it to the nearest professional auto repair shop for a computer diagnostic and immediately identify any electrical problems.
Smell from the heater or air conditioner fan
Check for debris inside the heater. If you have not used the heater for a long time, dust may have accumulated. But if the burning smell in the car still appears even after regularly using the heater, then there may be some debris in the vent.
People often find plastic bags or other objects stuck in the engine, which can cause a burning smell. However, it is possible that the heater itself is destroyed and antifreeze is leaking into the vents. This can also cause the smell. To make matters worse, part of the heater may be broken or melted. If the smell gets stronger and you don’t find any debris stuck on the fan, take your car to a repair shop immediately.
The smell of burning oil
Burnt motor oil can be very dangerous. It’s one of the most common causes of a burning smell in a car. This means you have an oil leak. This often results in oil getting into the exhaust pipe. The pipe is hot while the car is running, and we get a strong smell and blue smoke from the exhaust pipe.
Diagnostics are necessary, inspect the area around the engine. You will surely notice oil stains – a clear sign of an oil leak. Contact your local auto repair shop immediately, otherwise you risk engine failure or fire.
REMEMBER: You can always contact our auto repair shop, where we will be happy to provide professional technical assistance for your car. You can also schedule a scheduled technical inspection with us! Please check out our car repair and diagnostic services.
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VEBER-AUTO Car Service
194044, St. Petersburg
Neyshlotsky Lane, Building 5, Building 3
District: Vyborgsky
Metro: Vyborgskaya – 800 m.
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Seven days a week, from 9:00 to 21:00.
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sto@veberauto.ru
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8 (812) 321-00-00
