What Causes a Burning Smell from the Exhaust Pipe?

[KayleeLee]

There are several possible reasons for a burning smell coming from the exhaust pipe: The exhaust pipe came into contact with a plastic bag: Thin plastic bags on the road can melt when they touch the hot exhaust pipe, sticking to it and continuing to burn, producing a strong plastic burning odor. Although the source of the smell is under the car, the odor can spread around the entire vehicle and enter the cabin through the air intake vents while driving. Burning smell from the handbrake pads: This is usually due to improper operation, such as driving with the handbrake engaged. The constant friction generates excessive heat, causing the handbrake pads to burn and emit a smell, potentially even damaging them completely. Burning smell from the clutch plate: Starting on a steep hill with excessive throttle while partially engaging the clutch or releasing it too slowly can cause intense friction between the clutch plate and flywheel, leading to overheating and a burning odor from the clutch plate.