What Does a Burning Oil Smell Mean?
If you smell burning oil while driving, your vehicle may have an oil leak.
Oil can leak onto a hot engine or exhaust part and create a strong burning smell. You may even see smoke coming from under the hood. A burning oil smell should not be ignored. Even a small oil leak can get worse, lower the engine oil level, and lead to costly repairs.
Why Does My Car Smell Like Burning Oil?
One of the most common causes is engine oil leaking onto a hot part. Once the oil gets hot, it begins to burn and creates a smell that may enter the cabin.
Common causes of a burning oil smell include:
- A leaking valve cover gasket
- Oil spilled during an oil change
- A leaking oil filter
- A loose or leaking drain plug
- Other engine oil leaks
Finding where the oil is coming from is the first step in fixing the problem.
Can a Valve Cover Gasket Cause a Burning Oil Smell?
Yes. A leaking valve cover gasket is a common cause of a burning oil smell. The gasket helps keep engine oil inside the top of the engine.
As the gasket gets old, it can begin to leak. Oil may then run onto hot engine or exhaust parts, which can cause a burning smell or smoke.
Why Do I Smell Burning Oil After an Oil Change?
A burning smell after an oil change does not always mean there is a leak. A small amount of oil may have spilled onto the engine while the oil was being changed. The smell should go away once the spilled oil burns off. If the smell stays, gets stronger, or you see oil under the vehicle, have it checked for a leak.
Can an Oil Leak Damage My Engine?
Yes. If enough oil leaks out, the engine may not have the oil it needs. Engine oil helps protect moving parts from heat and wear. Driving with a low oil level can cause serious engine damage. Checking the leak early can help prevent that from happening.
Is a Burning Oil Smell a Fire Risk?
Oil leaking onto very hot parts can create a fire risk in some cases. Smoke from under the hood should always be taken seriously. If you see heavy smoke or smell something burning very strongly, pull over when it is safe. Turn the engine off and have the vehicle checked before you continue driving.
Can Fixing an Oil Leak Early Save Money?
Yes. A small gasket or seal leak may be much less costly to repair than engine damage caused by low oil. Oil can also damage rubber hoses and other parts if it leaks onto them for a long time. Finding the leak early can help prevent more repairs later.
Schedule an Oil Leak Inspection in The Colony, TX
If your car smells like burning oil, you see smoke under the hood, or you find oil spots where you park, let us find the cause. At David's Automotive Repair, we can inspect your engine for leaks and find where the oil is coming from.
Call
David's Automotive Repair at
972-625-1836 or schedule your reservation online today. We provide
oil leak repair, valve cover gasket repair, engine repair, and auto repair in The Colony, TX to help protect your engine and keep your vehicle on the road.
