Why Does a Brand New Car Have a Burnt Smell?
3 Answers
It is normal for a brand new car to have a burnt smell. Here are some explanations regarding the burnt smell in a new car: 1. Reasons: Many parts of a car operate at high temperatures during use. Some plastic and other material components in a new car may emit odors under high heat, which will dissipate over time. However, during the break-in period, it is important to avoid sudden acceleration and keep the engine RPM within a reasonable range. 2. Other related reasons: (1) If the smell resembles burning plastic, it is likely caused by overheating electrical wiring. Burnt wires are usually accompanied by localized heat or smoke. With careful inspection, the source of the issue can be identified. If the wiring is overheating, the car must be stopped immediately to determine the cause. Although the smell of burnt wiring may not be strong, the risk is significant. Failure to detect it promptly can lead to circuit damage, engine seizure, or even a vehicle fire. (2) If you consistently smell unburned gasoline while driving, you must stop and check for fuel leaks and their severity before continuing. Both fuel-injected and carbureted vehicles may experience aging and cracking in fuel lines after prolonged use. Under slight vibration or changes in line pressure, fuel may leak from these areas. (3) Electrical issues, such as short circuits, aging wires, or excessive load, can also cause a burnt smell. The wiring may burn out shortly afterward. However, such problems are unlikely in a brand new car, so this possibility can be ruled out.
I experienced something similar when I first started driving. It's quite common for new cars to have a burnt smell, mainly because all the components are still in the break-in period. The anti-rust coatings and lubricants in the engine compartment can emit a plastic-burning odor when exposed to high temperatures. The same goes for the protective oil on the exhaust pipe surface—it produces a smell after about ten minutes of driving as it heats up. Brake pads are even more noticeable, especially if we tend to brake hard. The protective film on new brake pads generates heat through friction, causing an odor. However, this usually disappears after two or three days of driving. Of course, it's important to distinguish between normal and abnormal smells. If the odor persists for more than a week or is accompanied by smoke or unusual noises, you should immediately take the car to a dealership to check for potential electrical shorts, as new cars can occasionally have wiring issues.
Last week, I just helped my son pick up his new car, and he also mentioned smelling a burning odor. Actually, the metal parts of new cars are coated with anti-rust grease during transportation, which evaporates when the engine heats up. I specifically asked the technicians at the 4S dealership, and they said that areas like the transmission oil seal and the heat insulation cotton around the exhaust pipe can also produce temporary odors. Normally, this is most noticeable within the first 300 kilometers, especially after continuous uphill driving or frequent braking in traffic jams. As long as it doesn’t persist for weeks or come with dashboard warning lights, there’s no need to worry. I made sure to check the oil dipstick to confirm there was no oil burning, and I also reminded him that new brake pads need a gentle break-in period.
