I was getting on the freeway when I heard a rubbing noise and a burning smell there was no warning signs that something was wrong,
My car stalled on freeway after I smelled burning ruber and rubbing noise. The car stalled and now won't start
My car has 200000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. Typically what you are describing is caused by a serpentine belt that has broken. However, it is quite possible that a different component failed, such as a fuel or ignition system sensor that will need to be verified before repairs are completed. Due to the fact that there are multiple possible reasons why your car broke down and will not start now, it’s probably a good idea to have one of our professional mechanics come to your location and first complete a car is hard to start inspection. This will allow them to isolate the source of your problem and recommend the right repairs.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Engine smells like burning rubber
A lose hose, motor oil leak, melting drive belt, electrical problem, leaking coolant, or heating AC Compressor may all be the cause of a burning rubber smell. If you notice this smell coming from your car, it`s a good idea to bring it in for a checkup.
A burning smell in your car could be caused by several things, including a burned-out electrical fuse, an overheating A/C compressor, or worn out brake pads that need to be replaced.
If your car smells like burning rubber, turn off the engine and check under the hood to see if anything looks out of place. Chances are that the smell results from a belt or other part slipping and rubbing against the hot engine. If you can`t identify the problem, take your car to a mechanic.
When the oil level in your vehicle gets too low or the oil gets old, you might start to smell burnt engine oil in one of its many forms while behind the wheel. These smells indicate that your car needs an oil change and that it`s time to schedule an appointment with your local maintenance center.
Why Does My Car Smell Like It`s Overheating, But It`s Not? When you get a burning smell, even when your car isn`t overheating, it could mean you have a coolant leak. The leak could occur from a loose or faulty coolant reservoir cap or a more serious fault. You could also get a burning smell from a defective heater.
If you notice a strange burning smell coming from around the center of your vehicle or near the vehicle`s gear shifter as you are driving, then your vehicle`s transmission fluid may be burning. The burning smell is usually an indication that a vehicle`s transmission fluid is old and needs to be changed.
The smell comes from the small amount hydrogen sulfide, or sulfur, within the fuel. Hydrogen sulfide is usually converted into odorless sulfur dioxide. However, when something breaks within the vehicle`s fuel or exhaust system, it can inhibit this process and create the smell.
You must know there are three things that can cause your car to have this offensive smell. You can have a broken catalytic converter, your fuel pressure sensor may be failing or you may have a fuel filter that is worn out, and you may have old transmission fluid.
And while the old rule of thumb was to change your oil every 3,000 miles or so, modern automotive technology has stretched that figure even further. Due to better engineering and better oil formulations, now you can expect between 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes!
The oil is probably leaking down onto the hot exhaust system and burning off — leaving an odor but no drops. As long as the oil level doesn`t drop below a safe level, this leak isn`t harmful. But if you`re going to keep the car, I`d recommend having the gasket replaced.
There are several causes that create a burning smell from the car. Normally burning occurs when two surfaces are rubbing together. If you notice any engine smells, then stop driving your car immediately.
More commonly, coolant will leak from cracked hoses or bad radiators, a far less severe problem. Leaking coolant has a sweet, warm smell, and is easily recognizable. It smells more like vapor than smoke, like the difference between steam from a boiling pot of water and smoke from a fire.
Burning Smell
If you notice the odor of burning plastic, smoke, or melting wires, this could indicate that your transmission is overheating or that the transmission fluid is burning. Worst case scenario, this smell could lead to an electrical fire, which is incredibly dangerous for you and other drivers on the road.
Signs of an impending electrical fire hazard
Random flickering or dimming of the lights. Persistent burning smell. Frequent tripping of the circuit breaker. Discolored outlets and switches.
Phantosmia is when a person smells something that is not actually there. The smells vary between individuals but are usually unpleasant, such as burnt toast, metallic, or chemical smells. Possible causes range from nasal polyps to a stroke. Phantosmia is also called a phantom smell or an olfactory hallucination.
A foul odor of burning rubber or wires could indicate that parts of your alternator are starting to wear out. Because the alternator`s drive belt is under constant tension and friction — and because it`s close to the hot engine — it may wear out over time and emit an unpleasant burning rubber smell.
If your car emits a rotten egg smell, there might be a problem with the catalytic converter, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter, or even the old transmission fluid. Whatever the cause, if you get the rotten egg smell in your car, take your vehicle to the mechanic as soon as possible and resolve this problem.
Conventional motor oil should be changed every 8,000 to 12,000 kilometres, but how often do you change synthetic oil? It is recommended that you have synthetic oil changed every 12,000 to 16,000 kilometres.
Answer: If your car uses conventional motor oil, such as 5W30 or 10W30, we recommend changing the oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months. If your car uses synthetic oil, we recommend an oil change every 5,000 miles or 6 months.
Checking Your Oil Level
Many car companies will put it in print, in your owner`s manual or maintenance guide, that usage of a quart of oil every 1000 miles is in the acceptable range.
And while the result isn`t as drastic, driving fast burns oil as well. However, this is typically only true at high RPMs, and the burning of oil is negligible unless you have other engine issues.
Clues You Have an Antifreeze Leak
Puddles under the car of lime-green, orange, pink, or blue-green after you`ve parked. Antifreeze makers use those dye colors to differentiate coolant from other fluids used in cars. Engine oil is gold or black (when dirty), and transmission fluid is dark red.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I was getting on the freeway when I heard a rubbing noise and a burning smell there was no warning signs that something was wrong,
ANSWER : Hi there. Typically what you are describing is caused by a serpentine belt that has broken. However, it is quite possible that a different component failed, such as a fuel or ignition system sensor that will need to be verified before repairs are completed. Due to the fact that there are multiple possible reasons why your car broke down and will not start now, it’s probably a good idea to have one of our professional mechanics come to your location and first complete a car is hard to start inspection. This will allow them to isolate the source of your problem and recommend the right repairs.
I’ve been told I have leaking valves. Burning rubber smell, no external leaks but dripping noises, car not overheating
ANSWER : Hi there. It sounds like the valve cover gaskets are what is leaking. The gasket is made of rubber and can become hard and brittle over time and start leaking oil. The leak may not be one where it is literally leaving a puddle, but more along the lines of seeping out. The rear valve cover tilts toward the cab of the vehicle and when it leaks oil, this oil makes its way onto the very hot exhaust manifold. Both valve covers can leak enough oil at the corners toward the transmission to run down the engine block and end on the hot exhaust center pipe under the oil pan. Both of these pipes will literally burn the oil and produce the smell and sometimes smoke or what looks like steam. The condition will not go away on its own and will only get worse with time and use. I suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to confirm the leaks and avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several technicians available that can assist you with an oil leak inspection.
Burning Smell and Squeaking Wheel 2007 Honda Civic
ANSWER : Hello – the smell and "hot" symptoms you describe suggest your rear brake is dragging on that rear wheel. This could be an emergency brake cable which is not releasing, or a frozen brake cylinder or caliper. I recommend a brake inspection immediately by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs. This will avoid loss of braking or even potentially a brake fire!
Just found out that my vehicle has been leaking oil for at least 2 yrs. Would smelling that burning oil smell cause health issues?
ANSWER : Hi Larry. As the co-founder or a non-profit that focuses on education, awareness and screening for respiratory diseases targeting the automotive community, I am happy to answer a few questions for you to clear up some facts. First, there are multiple materials, chemicals, and substances on a vehicle that are emitted from the mechanical actions of the vehicle that MIGHT reduce respiratory function and lead to a diagnosis of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or other respiratory diseases. However, it is nearly impossible to prove the precise source that can cause respiratory problems. Whether due to excessive exposure to these substances, social choices (smoking), workplace environment, indoor air quality in the home, even certain genetic conditions, it is possible for lung function to decrease over time. At Right2Breathe.org, we always recommend that anyone that is experiencing any breathing issues, visits their primary care physician and have them complete a spirometry exam (a non-evasive breathing test). This will allow them to measure your lung’s function and begin the official diagnosis process. Thank you very much for asking this important question. Feel free to contact us if you have further questions.
Burning leaves smell and smoke coming from air vents.
ANSWER : This sounds like you may have got some leaves or debris into the blower motor. You may have to remove the blower motor on right side of dash by glove box to see if motor is full of leaves or the blower motor is shorting out and is bad.
Plastic burn smell when opening driver door. Cannot smell inside cabin. Oil full, brakes ok.
ANSWER : Hi there. It is very difficult to "guess" as to the cause of a smell like you’ve described without being their to inspection the car personally. I would highly recommend having a professional mechanic complete a smell in the car inspection; especially if you believe it to be an electrical short.
A little bit of white smoke comes from the motor when I get off the highway and come to a complete stop. It smells like burning oil.
ANSWER : Hi there. It sounds like you may have an oil leak(s). The smoke and smell you are experiencing is the oil being burned off by the engine and exhaust heat. The source of the leak may be slightly difficult to pinpoint if it has been going on for a while and may require the experience of a qualified technician. Some of the possibilities are valve cover gaskets, cam seals, crank seals, rear main seal, and so on.
YourMechanic has several technicians that can assist you with an oil leak inspection, and service your valve cover, cam seal, or crank seal as necessary. Upon looking at the vehicle we can provide an accurate estimate and direction of repair.
Smoke is coming from steering wheel column and there is a burning smell, loud noise from engine.
ANSWER : This sounds like there are two different problems, but the "something’s burning" problem is critical. There is obviously an electrical short somewhere inside the steering column that has already done damage, and could lead to a sudden shutoff in traffic, a fire, or worse. You should have this problem examined before driving further. I would recommend having a YourMechanic certified mechanic perform an Electric Problems Inspection immediately to diagnose this issue, provide an accurate assessment of damage, and estimate the cost of repairs. A YourMechanic professional can also perform an Engine is Shaking, Pulsating or Vibrating Inspection after checking out your electrical problem.
