What Causes the Burning Smell After Driving an Automatic Transmission Car for a While?

[MacMason]

Automatic transmission cars emitting a burning smell after driving for a while can be attributed to: 1. Overheated wires or electrical short circuits; 2. Malfunctioning rubber components such as tires or belts; 3. Severe wear or slipping of the clutch plate, or a burning smell caused by heavily worn engine belts. An automatic transmission car refers to a vehicle that does not require the driver to manually shift gears; instead, the car automatically selects the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. The correct method to start an automatic transmission car is: 1. Connect the power source, then start the car; 2. After ignition, press the brake, shift to D gear, release the handbrake, and gently press the accelerator to start; 3. After starting, appropriately press the accelerator to speed up according to road conditions.

[LeOlivia]

My car is an automatic transmission, and once while driving, I suddenly smelled a burning odor, which really scared me. This usually indicates that some components are overheating. Common causes include the torque converter in the automatic transmission burning out or brake pads wearing too quickly, leading to friction-generated heat. Another possibility is engine oil or transmission fluid leaking and dripping onto the engine or other hot surfaces, causing immediate smoke. I think the safest thing to do in this situation is to pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and avoid continuing to drive. Otherwise, more parts could be damaged, or even a fire could start. Check under the car for any oil stains or sniff around the brake discs to see if the smell is stronger there. If you can't figure it out yourself, call a tow truck to take it to a repair shop. During regular maintenance, ask the technician to inspect these heat-prone components more thoroughly—it can save a lot of trouble. Safety first—never ignore any signs of burning.

[OTessa]

As someone who frequently works on cars, I've encountered many cases of automatic transmission vehicles emitting a burning smell after running for a while. The most common issue is transmission failure; if the torque converter overheats or gets stuck, it produces a plastic burning odor. Another major problem is brake system drag, such as when a brake caliper rusts and doesn't fully release, causing friction-generated heat. Additionally, engine or transmission fluid leaks can also be a cause—fluid dripping onto the exhaust pipe evaporates instantly, producing a pungent smell. I recommend first checking the fluid levels and brake pads. If any abnormalities are found, get them repaired as soon as possible. Ignoring it could lead to complete transmission failure, costing much more. Daily driving should avoid sudden acceleration or prolonged traffic jams to reduce overheating risks. Regular oil changes and maintenance can prevent such issues.

[LeDylan]

After driving my automatic car for a while, I noticed a strange smell, like burning plastic or rubber. I looked it up online, and it might be the transmission overheating, especially when running at high speeds causing excessive friction. Or it could be the brake pads worn out and stuck, constantly dragging against the wheels. Another possibility is an issue with the engine cooling system, like the fan not working, preventing heat dissipation. A simple way to check is to feel the brake discs after parking—if they're too hot, that's likely the problem. Don't keep driving to avoid the risk of fire. Replacing the brake pads or adding coolant can fix it. Also, pay attention to the temperature gauge while driving and avoid overloading the car.