Burning Smell in Your Car

By Mister Transmission

What the nose knows could prevent your car’s transmission from failing completely. A burning smell in your car could indicate serious transmission trouble

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.

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Customer Reviews
Steve is an absolute gentleman!...
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Steve is an absolute gentleman! A pleasure to do business with. He was honest, explained options and worked with me to find the solution that fit my needs. Thank you so much! Jeff
Date: June 4, 2023
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New clutch works fantastic! My...
George Banman
New clutch works fantastic! My Yaris is ready for another 300,000 km!!
Date: June 3, 2023
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Thank you for the great...
Vern Poschner
Thank you for the great and affordable repair
Date: June 3, 2023
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I took my car for...
Brianne Miller
I took my car for repair. I had a transmission issue or so I thought and they ended up diagnosing my car and said it was an engine misfire not transmission problem really honest place they were professional and great customer service, didnt even charge me a diagnostic fee even provided me with shuttle their and back, I highly recommend Dan and this Mr transmission location
Date: June 2, 2023
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Although it was an expensive...
Wing Chan
Although it was an expensive repair for my old work truck, but I do appreciate Ray and his team for kindness and considerate.
Date: June 2, 2023
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Mister Transmission DIXIE Branch Was...
Danice Inc.
Mister Transmission DIXIE Branch Was very Professional and Knowledgeable
Date: June 2, 2023
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I would highly recommend Mr...
Fred Tanton
I would highly recommend Mr Transmission and Chris and his team in Owen Sound they did a great job and had my truck done in no time with a better rebuild than the factory transmission that was in my truck for a decent price. Extremely nice and easy to talk too and excellent service
Date: June 2, 2023
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Great place ,always been helpful...
Mathieu Roy
Great place ,always been helpful with some issues that I had with some vehicles
Date: June 2, 2023
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Gary was so friendly and...
Greg Power
Gary was so friendly and helpful. Gave great advice and genuinely just wanted to help. Great experience and highly recommend
Date: June 2, 2023
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Staff is extremely helpful. The...
Mallia MacDonald
Staff is extremely helpful. The receptionist is amazing explains things well. I’m very happy with the work that was done!
Date: June 2, 2023
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