What to do if there is a burnt smell from the engine?
3 Answers
In most cases, a burnt smell from the engine is normal and does not require any action. The reasons are: 1. The anti-corrosion coating and oil stains on the outer surface of the engine emit a burnt smell when heated; 2. If the clutch is in a semi-engaged state while the engine speed is too high, the clutch friction plates may wear excessively, resulting in a burnt smell; 3. There are many plastic components and decorative panels in the engine compartment, which can also produce a burnt smell when heated. An engine is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy, applicable both to power-generating devices and to the entire machine including the power unit.
That day when I was driving long-distance, I smelled a burning odor from the engine and immediately felt alarmed. I quickly pulled over, turned off the engine, and popped the hood to check for any smoke or fluid leaks. It could have been the belt wearing out and overheating from friction, or coolant leaking onto hot components and burning. Definitely don't continue driving—it's too risky and could lead to more serious failures or even a fire. I called a tow truck right away to take it to a professional shop for inspection. Turned out it was an aging oil line leaking oil. Regular maintenance like changing belts and checking wiring can help prevent such issues.
I always get nervous when I smell burning while driving, and immediately slow down and pull over. I pop the hood to check if the belts are loose or rubbing, and look for oil leaks that could ignite. Last time, it was caused by a short circuit in the wiring—fortunately, I caught it in time. Don’t hesitate; call a tow truck to take it to the repair shop to avoid worse problems. Also, cleaning engine dust can help reduce the risk of burning smells.
