I’ve been driving my car for a few weeks now and I have to say, it smells terrible. It doesn’t smell like gasoline or anything – it just smells like something is burning. I went to the gas station and they said that the smell might be from my oil. Can you help me figure out what’s wrong with my car?
Causes of a Burning Oil Smell in Cars
When your car smells like burning oil, there can be a few different reasons for it.
One of the most common causes of a burning oil smell in cars is a leak from the engine. This can be caused by anything from a small puncture to a larger tear in the oil seal. If the leak is small, it may only cause a faint odor and no visible flames. If the leak is bigger, however, the oil could start leaking out and catch fire. In either case, this will cause the car to smell like burning oil.
Another common cause of a burning oil smell in cars is a problem with the oil filter. If the filter isn’t properly installed or if it’s clogged with dirt or debris,oil may start leaking through it and into the engine. This will cause the car to smell like burning oil and also cause problems with engine performance.
If you notice that your car is starting to smell like burning oil, it’s important to take action right away. Checking for leaks and fixing any problems that are causing the smell will usually solve the issue.
How to Test If There Is Burning Oil in Your Car
If you have a burning oil smell coming from your car, there’s a good chance that there is actually oil on the ground beneath the car. Here are four ways to test if this is the case:
1) Pour a small amount of diesel fuel onto the ground beneath your car and wait 30 minutes. If you start seeing flames or smoke come from beneath the car, then there is likely burning oil on the ground.
2) Pour a small amount of white vinegar onto the ground beneath your car and wait 30 minutes. If you start seeing bubbles form or the vinegar starts turning pink, then there is likely burning oil on the ground.
3) Pour a small amount of dishwashing detergent onto the ground beneath your car and wait 30 minutes. If you see bubbles form or the detergent starts turning pink, then there is likely burning oil on the ground.
4) Use a special hot plate designed to test for hot spots in asphalt. If you see any areas where the asphalt has melted or bubbled, then there is likely burning oil on the ground.
Fixing a Burning Oil Smell in a Car
If you’ve been noticing a strong, unpleasant smell coming from your car and you can’t seem to find the source, it might be time to take a look under the hood. Burning oil smell in cars is usually a result of improper engine maintenance or a mechanical issue. Here are some common causes and tips on how to fix it:
1. Check the oil level. If the oil looks dark or has chunks in it, it’s likely low on fuel or dirty. Add oil as needed and check the level again in a few days to see if the problem persists.
2. Make sure the car’s air filter is clean and properly fitted. Dirt and other particles can block air flow and cause the burning oil smell. Filters can be replaced at any auto parts store for around $15-20.
3. Clean the plugs and wires connected to the engine. Corrosion and dirt can block spark plugs or lead to malfunctions in electrical systems that affect the burning oil smell. A good plug cleaning kit costs around $20-30 and should be used at least once per year.
Conclusion
There are a few potential reasons why your car might smell like burning oil. If you’ve recently had an oil change, the technician may have used engine flush or synthetic oil which can contain a strong odor. Burning rubber also emits a musty smell that is often mistaken for burning oil. Finally, if your car’s emissions system needs to be serviced, the technicians may use gasoline to clean the system and this gas contains a foul odor.