Burning Smell in Your Car

Does something smell amiss when you’re driving?

It could be burning transmission fluid you’re smelling, and it’s one of the major warning signs that your vehicle’s transmission may be overheating.

Regardless of the cause, a burning smell coming from your vehicle’s engine is never a welcome sign. In an automatic transmission, the fluid ought to be a bright red colour, clear, and it should have a hint of a sweet smell. It’s the fluid that lubricates all of your transmission’s moving parts and keeps it cool to prevent wear and tear on the multitude of components within it.

If the fluid has passed its best before date, or if there’s a leak in your transmission and you don’t have enough fluid in it, the fluid will overheat and begin to burn. That, in turn, can lead to corrosion of the transmission, and a buildup of grime and debris inside of it. If you are experiencing this worrisome situation, don’t hesitate to see a certified transmission expert and avoid a full-on mechanical breakdown.

Other Important Transmission Warning Signs

There are other telltale signs that something may be wrong with your vehicle’s automatic or manual transmission you should be wary of, including:

• Trouble shifting into gear or gears slipping
• Grinding noises or the vehicle rattles or jerks when you drive (common in vehicles with a manual transmission that’s gone awry)
• The “service engine soon” light on your dashboard is seemingly always lit up
• There’s a delay in your vehicle’s movement though the engine is revving
• There’s a pool of red liquid beneath your engine where you park

Find out if your transmission is the culprit for the burning smell in your car. Contact the Mister Transmission service centre nearest you, book a service appointment, and get the answers you need to the questions you have about your transmission.