As disconcerting as strange noises or vibrations while driving your vehicle can be, burning smells are immediate cause for alarm and could be precursors of a serious repair if not addressed quickly. One of the most common smells reported while driving is that of burning rubber. Friction, heat, and kinetic energy are all normal occurrences inside a running vehicle, but burning is not. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the many rubber parts in your vehicle that can wear out over time, and we'll also look at some of the common culprits when your car smells like burning rubber.
  

  

BRAKES
Your brake system is not only responsible for slowing and stopping your moving vehicle, but when functioning properly, it also dissipates heat generated from the friction of brake pads gripping fast-moving rotors on your car's wheels. Because of this, any of the systems components like leaking fluid, stuck calipers, heavy braking, or worn-out brake pads can result in noticeable burning rubber smell in car that need professional attention.

   

  

ENGINE OIL LEAK
Motor oil, the lifeblood of your engine, can also result in a car burning rubber smell if you have a leak. Oil may drop onto hot exhaust components or other heated metal where it will burn away. If you suspect an engine oil leak, you should take note of any strange puddles that collect under your vehicle and check your oil level at your earliest convenience.

   

   

WORN BELTS
Rubber belts in your engine bay are responsible for transferring energy from the running engine to various components inside your vehicle. Over time, it's natural for these belts to wear out and lose their elasticity. Worn belts may touch other hot components in the engine compartment as they stretch, or they may burn due to increased friction. Whatever the case, worn rubber belts are often the source when your car smells like burning rubber and should be addressed immediately by a professional. Driving on worn belts may result in expensive, catastrophic damage to your engine.  

FAILING HOSES
Hoses, like belts, may become worn and brittle over time. Because the rubber hoses in your vehicle are responsible for carrying various fluids, when they wear out and spring a leak, these fluids may drip and cause burning smells in the cabin. If you've noticed a burning smell accompanied by strange puddles under your vehicle, you may have a fluid leak that needs professional attention.  

ELECTRICAL SHORTS
Electrical shorts can cause burning smells in your vehicle, particularly when they occur in an area where space is tight, and wires may push against heat-sensitive surfaces. While burning smells can accompany electrical shorts, you'll likely notice other symptoms as well, like flickering lights, malfunctioning accessories, or even a dead battery.