Posted on 4/28/2025
When something smells off in your car, it might be more than just a forgotten lunch bag or a spill from the kids’ soccer practice. Strange odors can be your car’s way of letting you know something mechanical isn’t right. Some smells are minor and go away quickly—but others could be early warning signs of issues that need attention before they get worse. Let’s look at a few common automotive odors, what they might mean, and when it’s time to have them checked out. Burning Oil Smell A strong, acrid smell—especially after your engine has warmed up—could be burning oil. This often means oil is leaking onto hot engine parts, like the exhaust manifold. It might come from a worn valve cover gasket, a cracked oil pan, or an improperly tightened drain plug. In many cases, you won’t see visible smoke, but you’ll notice the odor inside the cabin or near the hood. If left unresolved, this can lead to oil loss, low oil ... read more