Q: Burning smell from car
I left the car running for a minute in the garage and I noticed a nasty burning smell. I wonder if I have an oil leak.
Recommended Services
| Smell in the car Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
Was the garage closed or open? Have you noticed this smell at any other time? There may not be a problem at all. Remember that catalyst converters get hot and cars run a lot hotter than they use to. Perhaps your car is running in an enclosed area which may have caused it to give off a hot smell. Try running the car outside see if the smell persists. If so, then I would have a certified technician come and inspect the smell for you.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
Sunroof dial broken
Hi there. The sunroof module takes input from the sunroof switch and in turn, operates the sun roof motor. If the sunroof is not working, the problem is with one of these components, or there is a mechanical failure of...
Pipe broke under car
By the description you have provided, my first guess would be that you have an exhaust leak. The most common failure is the exhaust flange gasket. You can visually inspect your exhaust pipe and look for obvious leaks from broken...
Shifting problems
You may have a clutch problem. Try shifting it through gears with the engine off. If it will shift with engine off, but not go into any gears when it's running, that indicates a clutch rather than a transmission issue....
hi how long should my brake calipers last?? based on other mercs etc
Brake calipers, associated torque plates and sliding pins should all be thoroughly cleaned and rebuilt every time you have to change the brake pads (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-pads-replacement). These parts are subject to corrosion, brake grit, dust and dirt, and extremely high heat....
My car gas pedal stop working. The engine power reduced turn on.
Hi there. The reduced power light is on for the computer putting the engine into limp mode for something went wrong. If your gas pedal is not functioning correctly, then the pedal has lost communication to the computer and to...
Loss of power in the cab and trouble starting the engine.
Hello, thank you for writing in. The alternator should be reading around 14 volts at all times. If it is dropping lower, there is an issue with the alternator or its wiring. You can verify the voltage output with a...
Would low engine oil cause the check engine light to come on in my 2002 Toyota Corolla
Hello. Typically low engine oil will not cause the check engine light to come on in your vehicle. Unless the oil level is low enough to cause a drop in engine oil pressure, the oil light will not even come...
Can you please assist me regarding my ford bantam 2004 model 1.3 xi. It does not start when its raining or partly cloudy.
Hi there. Usually electrical issues are common when it is wet out. I recommend replacing the spark plugs as they are not producing enough spark for added moisture in the atmosphere. Then check all of the ground wires to the...
Significant gas mileage drop after tire change
If the vehicle fuel efficiency has dropped 15%, and there is no obvious explanation, something is wrong. The timing of the tire replacement to the drop-off in mileage is undoubtedly just a coincidence unless the tires are wildly defective thus...
Related articles
What Causes an Exhaust Manifold to Crack or Leak?
Your car has two manifolds – an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold. Both serve essential purposes, but the one most likely to...
Is it Safe to Drive With a Gas Leak?
If you notice the smell of gas once you get into your vehicle, this could be a sign of a gas leak. A...
How to Troubleshoot and Replace a Leaking Valve Cover Gasket
Valve cover gasket leaks usually start when not much oil leaves the engine. It should be repaired before it causes serious damage and costly repairs.
Browse other content
Maintenance
Cities
Estimates