Why Does My Car Smell Like Burning?
When you own an automatic car, you need to ensure the automatic transmission system is given the proper care and attention to keep it running well. People often assume automatic vehicles run into fewer issues than their manual counterparts and are also cheaper to fix. The fact is that an automatic transmission could be more expensive than replacing an engine, so it is vital that they are probably looked after to avoid a major repair bill.
No matter what type of car you drive, a burning smell is never a good sign and often means it is need of an urgent repair. When automatic vehicles have a burning smell, it can be an indication that there is a transmission fluid issue. One of the most common causes is overheated transmission fluid which leads to a burning smell.
What Does Overheated Transmission Fluid Mean?
If you are wondering why your automatic car smells like burning, the first thing you should check is the transmission fluid. This is a fluid that is added to the car’s transmission in order to lubricate the many moving parts. Not only is transmission fluid used for lubrication, but it also has a cooling effect to prevent the transmission from overheating.
Over time and mileage, the transmission fluid’s lubricating abilities will diminish and result in damaging friction between the many moving parts. This friction will lead to the various parts breaking down and can cause sludge and debris to build up in the transmission. When this happens, a burning smell often occurs, and is one of the first indicators that there is a transmission fluid problem.
How To Prevent Overheated Transmission Fluid
If your car does smell like burning, then it is important you check your fluid levels before it results in a complete transmission breakdown. This issue can often be resolved by having a complete transmission fluid flush and change.
There are a few steps you can take to prevent transmission fluid overheating again in the future. Regularly check your fluid levels and ensure the transmission fluid is changed in accordance with manufacturers advice. If transmission fluid has a brown tint, then this can be an early indicator that it is time for a change. Good transmission fluid is usually either clear or bright red and will smell and look clean.