Smells that indicate your car needs an oil change
- Regular oil changes are essential – They keep engine components properly lubricated and prevent overheating from friction.
- Topping off oil isn’t a substitute – Mixing new oil with old, contaminated oil reduces effectiveness and doesn’t protect the engine.
- Burning oil smell isn’t always low oil – It usually indicates oil leaking outside the engine, not dirty or degraded oil.
The Coulter Camelback Buick GMC team has long been regarded as the must-have and go-to resource for Buick and GMC vehicle owners in and around Phoenix, AZ. Renowned for our customer-first-and-always mindset, we make buying a new or certified pre-owned Buick SUV or GMC pickup a stress-free experience. However, it’s not just about giving customers great deals and incredible financing options. It’s also about maintaining their vehicles, keeping them performing their best, and always doing everything needed to keep their beloved Buick SUVs and GMC Trucks on the road.
The Burning Oil Smell Coming from Your Vehicle
First, no matter how new or old your vehicle is, scheduling regular oil changes is an absolute must and critical to ensuring the continued operation of your beloved Buick SUV or GMC Truck. Consistent oil changes keep your engine parts properly lubricated so that they never generate excessive heat from the friction of mating components rubbing up against one another.
Second, simply mixing new engine oil with existing oil in your engine as a stop-gap measure to avoid an oil change does not work. Mixing old engine oil with new engine oil does nothing more than reduce the viscosity of the oil, and low viscosity oil that is contaminated with dirt and residue will not keep your engine’s components properly lubricated.
Third, that burning oil smell in your car, truck, or SUV doesn’t immediately mean you need an oil change. While maintaining proper oil levels is important, that burning oil smell likely points to the oil from your engine escaping into areas immediately outside the engine. Degraded oil full of dirt and debris doesn’t generate a burning oil smell.
Here are the most likely causes of a burning oil smell car.
- Oil Leak
- Improper Oil Change
- Torn, Pinched, or Ripped Gaskets and Seals
- Damaged Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System
- Serious Engine Problems
That burning oil smell could occur because your engine’s oil has escaped due to a cracked valve. Once this happens, the oil is no longer in a protective seal, and its contact with your engine or even your vehicle’s exhaust creates a strong burning oil smell in the car.
One of the more common reasons you may smell burning oil is that the oil change was not done properly by another service center. If you notice a burning oil smell immediately after an oil change, then it could eventually disappear a short time afterward. However, monitoring this issue is important, and if the smell persists, book an appointment immediately.
This is an all-too-common occurrence when a vehicle has not had an oil change in some time or has not been properly serviced with regular maintenance. Once engine gaskets and seals tear or rip, the oil escapes, and that burning smell occurs immediately.
The PCV is responsible for reducing emissions from your vehicle and minimizing contamination. It does this by burning harmful gases and removing moisture so they don’t escape into the atmosphere. It relieves the pressure exerted on the crankcase by diverting gases out of the engine. However, if the PVC is damaged, then that burning smell soon follows.
While less common compared to previous reasons, sometimes burning oil smells point to a much larger problem with your vehicle’s engine. This is when our expert mechanics and technicians can quickly ascertain the damage to your engine.
From worn-out or damaged piston rings to damage to your engine’s cylinders, there are several potential causes of that burning oil smell when your engine is damaged. That’s why our diagnostic equipment and expertise are so important.
Exceptional Parts and Service Team
The Coulter Camelback Buick GMC dealership has an incredible parts and service department. Our team comprises expert technicians, factory-trained seasoned mechanics, and exceptionally knowledgeable parts people with an uncanny ability to secure OEM-sourced parts. It’s why our dealership is often the first location when vehicle owners notice a burning oil smell.
If you’ve recently noticed a burning oil smell car or a strange oil smell in your car while driving, then this guide will explain why regular maintenance is an absolute must. So, here’s an answer to “why does my car smell like burning oil”.
Coulter Camelback Buick GMC: Your Parts and Service Center Partner
At Coulter Camelback Buick GMC, our parts and service team takes great pride in their in-depth knowledge of Buick SUVs and GMC Trucks. However, they also work on multiple other makes and models and have years of experience resolving and troubleshooting the most common engine problems.
If you need your vehicle inspected or serviced, or need an oil change, or have any questions about a burning oil smell, call our service team or book your appointment online.