Burning Smell After Oil Change - Normal or Not?

Car Maintenance & Repairs
1

I’ve just had an oil change done on my vehicle, and shortly after, I noticed a burning smell coming from under the hood. Has anyone else experienced this?

Common Causes

From what I’ve researched, it seems this could be due to a few reasons:

  • Spilled Oil: Sometimes, a bit of oil can spill onto engine components or the exhaust when the oil change is being performed. This can cause it to burn off and create that unpleasant smell.
  • Old Oil Residue: If any old oil was spilled or left on the engine, it might be burning off as well.
  • Overfilled Oil: If the oil level is too high, it may cause oil to seep onto other parts of the engine leading to burning smells.

Is it Normal?

In many cases, a mild burning smell can be quite normal after an oil change, especially if you’ve just had fresh oil in your engine. It tends to dissipate after a while. However, it’s always a good idea to check:

  • Oil Levels: Make sure your oil levels are within the recommended range.
  • Visual Inspection: Check for any visible signs of oil leaking or pooling.

When to Seek Help

If the smell persists or you notice any warning lights on your dashboard, it might be time to consult a mechanic to rule out any serious issues. Always better to be safe than sorry!

Anyone have similar experiences or tips on how to handle this? Would love to hear your thoughts!

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2

I just had an oil change too and noticed a burning smell. I think it could be from excess oil spilling onto the hot engine. Has anyone else experienced this?

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3

That’s a common occurrence! Also, check if the oil filter was installed correctly—sometimes they can get loose and create a mess.

4

Good points! Besides checking the oil filter, it’s smart to inspect the hoses and belts. A worn-out belt can also create a burning smell!

5

I think I’ll do that! What’s the best way to check for leaks? I’m not very mechanical.

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6

To check for leaks, you can look under your car for any oil puddles or stains. I also recommend placing a paper towel under the filter after an oil change to see if it’s leaking.

7

That’s really helpful, thanks! I’ll definitely try that.

8

Just a thought, could the smell also be due to old oil burning off? If it’s been a while since your last change, that could be it.

9

That makes sense! I hadn’t considered that. I’m curious if anyone has had this happen with synthetic oil vs. conventional.

10

I always use synthetic oil, and I still get smells occasionally. It’s probably more about how the oil change was done, rather than the oil type.

11

So is it worth switching to synthetic if I’m experiencing this issue often?

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Synthetic oil generally provides better protection, but it won’t eliminate burning smells if the change wasn’t done properly. Focus on ensuring everything is installed right.

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13

That’s good to know! I’ll check everything before my next change.

14

Don’t forget to inspect the gaskets too! Sometimes they can wear out and cause leaks that lead to burning smells.

15

I never thought of that! So many things to check—maybe I need to stick to a professional for my oil changes.

16

Or just take a mechanics class! It could save you cash and help you understand your car better! Plus, you’ll impress your friends with car talk!

17

I’ve experienced a burning smell after an oil change too. It could be oil dripping on hot parts. Ignoring it can lead to severe issues like engine damage.

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18

That makes sense! I had a similar issue, and it turned out to be just excess oil. But I definitely had a moment of panic before checking.

19

It’s important to remember that a burning smell isn’t something to brush off. It can mean a risk of fire hazard if there’s significant leakage. Always check it out!

20

Exactly! I learned the hard way when I ignored it; my engine started acting up and cost me a fortune in repairs.