People often assume burning rubber smells are going to be caused by tire problems, but your tires are actually the least likely cause of a rubber smell if you aren’t driving like a speed demon. Most of the time, a rubber smell is going to be caused by a coolant leak, serpentine belt damage, or an oil leak. We’ll cover how you can narrow down the source of the issue and cover the solution so you can get back on the road ASAP.
What Can Make a Car Smell like Burning Rubber?
A burning rubber odor usually indicates that you’ve got a coolant leak, a timing belt that slips, or an engine oil leak. In other cases, a loose hose, bad electrical connection, or dying AC compressor could be to blame for the odd aroma.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
- Catalytic converter clogs, exhaust leaks, and emission issues can cause nasty odors, but they’ll smell like rotten eggs and sulfur. You wouldn’t mistake these fumes for rubber. [9] X Research sourceThanks
References
- ↑ https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a27543190/antifreeze-leak/
- ↑ https://www.autonationmobileservice.com/i/blog/burning-smell-from-car/#burnt-rubber
- ↑ https://youtu.be/e0EtW6yxKb8?t=210
- ↑ https://www.minit-tune.com/blog/7-electrical-warning-signs-to-watch-for-in-your-car-or-truck
- ↑ https://www.autonationmobileservice.com/i/blog/burning-smell-from-car/#burnt-rubber
- ↑ https://www.autonationmobileservice.com/i/blog/burning-smell-from-car/#burnt-rubber
- ↑ https://www.nationaltransmission.ca/whats-that-smell/
- ↑ https://www.tdi.texas.gov/tips/car-fire-safety.html
- ↑ https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/culture/commuting/it-stinks-but-always-fix-a-faulty-catalytic-converter-quickly/article624503/