One of the most common reasons why vehicle issues get worse over time is that it can sometimes be difficult to know when they are developing. Some car troubles are invisible at first, and by the time you realize there is something wrong, they have snowballed into much bigger problems. When that happens, you are going to end up spending a lot more money than you would have if you had caught the problem early. Some issues, though, will be immediately apparent and present themselves as a burning smell. Oil leaks, slipping drive belts, and overheating electrical components are common causes of burning smells inside or outside a vehicle.

Recognizing what different burning smells mean and where they come from can help you identify developing problems sooner, address car repairs before they escalate, and avoid more costly or dangerous damage down the road.

Common Sources of Automotive Burning Smells

​When you smell a burning odor in or around your vehicle, the most common source will be burning oil. Your vehicle uses engine oil to lubricate all the moving parts inside the drivetrain, and if there is even a small leak, you may notice a burning oil smell. It will often have a sharp, smoky, or chemical odor that is instantly recognizable. This happens because oil is leaking somewhere near the engine block, which gets incredibly hot when it is in use. Oil that leaks onto hot engine parts can burn and produce a noticeable odor. Issues related to gaskets or seals, loose components, or crankcase ventilation systems may contribute to this type of smell, and it is a good sign that you need a repair somewhere in the powertrain.

Almost everyone is familiar with the smell of burning rubber. It is an intense, almost sweet smell that we usually associate with tires. If you are smelling burning rubber in or around your vehicle, though, it could be coming from the engine. Your vehicle uses a series of drive belts to power components like the water pump and the alternator. If those belts are slipping due to wear or stretching, they will overheat and create a burning rubber smell. This can also happen if one of the pulleys on the components that the belt drives has seized up. Rubber smells usually indicate friction that should be inspected promptly to prevent further component wear or failure.

If you have ever smelled burning plastic, you will probably never forget it. A burning plastic smell coming from your vehicle can be incredibly alarming because it usually means that there is an issue with the electrical system. The plastic components within your vehicle are mostly limited to the electronics, and if a burning plastic smell is occurring, it means they are overheating. Shorts or excessive current can melt your plastic components and cause even more electrical damage, so it is important to address a plastic odor as soon as you notice it.

How to Identify if the Issue Is Minor or Serious

​While not every burning smell is an indicator that something is seriously wrong, some absolutely are. Because of this, you need to investigate the cause of every new burning odor you detect around your vehicle. A burning smell is likely to be minor, for example, if you have just driven through road debris. A plastic bag could get stuck to the exhaust system and cause the odor. It may also be less serious if it only occurs once and then goes away completely. Most of the time, this means that your vehicle has had a small piece of debris get stuck in the engine compartment or on the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter, and it has burned away. If the odor disappears and the vehicle operates normally with no warning lights, continued monitoring may be sufficient, though persistent or recurring smells should be inspected.

In some cases, a burning smell can mean that you have an incredibly serious problem going on. When that is the case, the smell will not go away and may even get worse over time. You may also see smoke or notice a change in how the vehicle is running. When that happens, it is best to stop driving and get your vehicle into the shop right away. Continuing to drive with these symptoms may worsen the issue and could lead to more extensive damage.

What Mechanics Check During Diagnosis

​When you take your vehicle to the shop to have a burning smell inspected, a technician will do a complete diagnostic process. They will look under the hood for leaks and heat sources such as oil, air conditioning coolant leaks, power steering fluid, antifreeze, and transmission fluid. They may also use a UV dye that makes leaks easier to spot, so they can be sure they are catching everything.

They will also check all the belts and pulleys in the engine compartment to make sure they are working properly and running smoothly. They will check for tension issues and belt wear, as well as seized pulleys that could be causing a burning rubber smell. If they find that the belts have worn out or pulleys are no longer spinning, they will replace them so you can get back on the road.

How Extended Warranty Coverage Can Help With Repair

Finances are one of the main reasons why drivers might ignore a burning car smell happening around their vehicle. Even if you smell a burning odor, you may not be inclined to have it investigated if you are worried about spending money on repairs. When you ignore a burning smell, though, you can end up causing serious problems and even making your vehicle dangerous to drive, which is why an extended warranty can be a helpful option for managing certain covered repair costs.

When you buy a new car from a dealership, it will come with a factory warranty provided by the manufacturer. Once this coverage period runs out, though, you will be financially responsible for any repairs that have to happen on your vehicle. If you want to continue coverage and get the help you need paying for repairs, an extended warranty, which is more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC), from a third-party provider like Endurance can be an option worth considering. With a protection plan in place, eligible covered repairs may be more manageable depending on your plan terms.

Address Problems Early and Protect Your Vehicle With Endurance

​Regardless of whether or not you think a burning smell is a major or minor issue, it is always best to get it looked at as soon as possible. A professional technician can diagnose the issue and get it repaired before it develops into more extensive mechanical damage or safety concerns. With a VSC in place, you can have greater peace of mind knowing that covered repairs can be addressed before issues get worse.

Endurance offers a range of different protection plans for vehicles and drivers of all kinds. Whether you have an older, high-mileage vehicle or a top-tier luxury or exotic car, you can find the perfect coverage option for your specific needs. Endurance even includes coverage for vehicles that other providers won’t protect, such as Canadian Gray Market cars, vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, and cars used for commercial purposes like rideshare or delivery.

When you have an Endurance protection plan, you also get a collection of standard perks like 24/7 roadside assistance, towing services, rental car coverage, and trip interruption protection. Plus, you can also access Endurance’s Elite Benefits program. This includes extras like tire repair or replacement, key fob replacement, and windshield coverage.

If you are ready to protect your vehicle from costly damage, get in touch with our team at (800) 253-8203 for a FREE quote. You can also see your price and plan recommendations instantly when you shop our online store.

For more auto expert resources, be sure to check out the Endurance Warranty blog. There, you will find helpful DIY tips, comparisons between different providers, information about mechanical breakdown insurance for California drivers, and much more.