There’s nothing quite like that moment when you’re cruising along and suddenly—what’s that smell? It’s not your coffee, it’s not the road, and it sure isn’t anything good. That sharp, acrid scent hits your nose, and your mind goes straight to one thing: “Is my car on fire?”
Okay, maybe that’s a little dramatic, but a burning smell in your car is never something to ignore. It’s your car’s way of waving a big red flag that something’s not right. And believe us—we’ve had more than a few calls from drivers who waited a bit too long to check it out.
Let’s walk through what that burning smell might mean, what you should do about it, and when it’s time to call in a tow.
Start by Noticing When and Where It Happens
Timing matters. Is the smell strongest when you’re braking, accelerating, or just after starting the car? Does it come from under the hood, the vents, or the wheels? These clues can tell you a lot about what’s going on.
For example, if you smell burning right after a hill climb and it’s coming from the engine bay, it could be an oil leak hitting a hot surface. If it smells like burning rubber and you’re braking hard? That might be your brake pads.
Common Culprits Behind That Burning Smell
Burning Oil
If your engine oil leaks onto a hot part like the exhaust manifold, it can produce a strong, smoky, chemical smell. You might also notice a bit of white smoke under the hood. Check your oil level (when the engine is cool), and look under the car for any signs of a leak. If you’re constantly topping up your oil, there’s a good chance it’s dripping somewhere it shouldn’t be.
Worn or Overheated Brakes
Brake pads get hot with use, especially if you’re riding the brakes down a steep hill. A burnt smell after heavy braking—especially if you’re towing something—usually points to overheated pads or rotors. If it smells like burnt carpet or rubber and your wheels feel hot to the touch, give your brakes a break (pun intended) and get them checked.
Electrical Burning
Ever smelled burning plastic? That could be wiring or an electrical component overheating. This one’s serious. Failing relays, short circuits, or even a malfunctioning heater fan can overheat and melt insulation. If you ever smell this kind of burning, don’t ignore it. Electrical problems can quickly turn into fires.
Clutch Overuse (for Manual Cars)
If you drive a manual, and that burning smell kicks in when shifting gears or going uphill, it could be your clutch slipping. That classic burnt-paper scent is a big sign that your clutch is overheating and wearing down. A worn-out clutch won’t just smell—it’ll start to feel spongy or slow to engage.
Drive Belt Issues
A slipping serpentine belt or a seized pulley can cause a burning rubber smell. If your car suddenly loses power steering, your battery light comes on, or your engine starts overheating, a worn or snapped belt might be the culprit.
So, What Should You Do When It Happens?
First things first—stay calm and don’t ignore it. Turn off your music, roll down the windows, and try to pinpoint where it’s coming from. If you see smoke, hear weird sounds, or if the smell gets stronger quickly, pull over as soon as it’s safe. Put your hazards on and turn off the engine.
Pop the hood—but don’t touch anything just yet. If something’s overheating or leaking, let it cool down before investigating further. If you’re not sure what’s going on or the smell persists, it’s always better to call for a tow than risk more damage.
And hey, if you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I’ll just drive it home and see if it goes away”—don’t. That’s how little issues become expensive repairs.
When to Call a Tow Truck
Here’s a quick rule of thumb: if your car smells like burning and you don’t know why—or if something doesn’t feel or sound right—play it safe. We’ve had customers call us for everything from melted wiring to overheated brakes, and catching these problems early can save you a massive repair bill.
Our job is to get you out of tricky situations and keep your vehicle from turning a small issue into a roadside disaster. So don’t hesitate to reach out when your nose tells you something’s off. Better safe than stranded—or worse.
If you are in Eltham, and looking for a nearby towing service, this is the best way to visit us.
Reservoir Towing
58 Anstey Ave, Reservoir VIC 3073
(03) 7046 4990
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