Burning oil smell from the car

Symptoms

• Burning smell, often described as similar to burning toast or hot metal, noticed while driving or after parking
• Sometimes a faint wisp of smoke visible from under the hood
• Oil level may be low on the dipstick
• Smell often stronger after highway driving or when the engine has been under load

Likely causes

• CommonOil leak dripping onto the exhaust manifold or a hot exhaust componentEven a small amount of oil contacting a hot exhaust surface burns off and creates a noticeable smell and sometimes light smoke.
• PossibleOil leak dripping onto the engine block or nearby hot surfacesSimilar effect to hitting the exhaust, though generally less immediately smoky.
• PossibleOverfilled oil from a recent oil changeToo much oil can be pushed out through the dipstick tube or filler cap and drip onto hot surfaces below.
• PossibleOil filter not properly seated after a serviceA common source of a fresh oil leak right after a DIY or shop oil change.

What to do

1. Check the oil level on the dipstick; if it's overfilled, that alone can explain a fresh burning smell and should be corrected by draining the excess.
2. Check the oil filter and drain plug for proper tightness if an oil change was done recently.
3. With the engine cool, look at the exhaust manifold and surrounding areas for oily residue or dark, baked-on staining that indicates where oil has been dripping and burning.
4. Trace any oil staining upward from the hot component to find where it's originating (see the general oil leak guide for tracing techniques).
5. Avoid running the engine for extended periods if you see visible smoke, and address the leak promptly since sustained oil burning near the exhaust can be a fire risk in rare cases.

Tools and parts

• Flashlight
• Degreaser

When to call a pro

See a mechanic if you can't find or fix the source of a dripping oil leak yourself, or if the smell is accompanied by visible smoke.

Safety