Does Your Car's Heater Have A Burning Smell? Here's What Could Be The Problem

If you live in a colder part of the country, you know firsthand that a functioning car heater is a necessity. It's a lovely feature that can make a huge difference between a warm and comfortable ride and an unbearable cold commute. In fact, if your car's heater isn't working, it'll not just affect your commute. It will also negatively impact your visibility — after all, car heaters have many uses, including defogging the windows and defrosting the car.

That said, although car heaters are designed to endure years of demanding driving, they're still subject to wear and tear. Luckily, they can be pretty good at telling us when something is wrong. Some might do so by blowing icy air through the vents, while others might give off a burning smell that just won't go away.

While a burning smell can be annoying, it's vital that you don't cover it up with air fresheners or, even worse, ignore it. There are some situations where the burning smell can be a dangerous sign, like if there's cracked heat exchanger or gas leak is the culprit. So, what is probably causing your heater to emit a burning smell, and how do you get rid of the smell for good?

If your heater emits a burning smell when you first turn the ignition on at the beginning of each season, chances are you're dealing with a harmless odor caused by dust. Generally speaking, after a long time of idling, your car's heater will tend to accumulate dust and debris. And when you turn on the engine after a long period, the heater will burn the layer of dust away, creating a light odor that should fade on its own within a few minutes.

With that said, just because it is mostly normal for a heater to produce a burning smell, it doesn't mean that it is always the case. Sometimes, a burning smell might be a sign of fluids leaking in the engine, which, if ignored, could result in costly engine repairs. In fact, if the burning smell is followed by a sweet, syrup-like odor and an overheating engine, you'll want to visit a technician. The engine coolant might be leaking directly onto the hot engine parts or the heater core.

Other times, a burning smell could come from an oil leak. If the engine oil is dripping onto a hot surface like a heater core or an exhaust manifold, it can create a sharp, acrid, smoky smell that tends to be quite unpleasant. In the worst-case scenario, a distinct burning plastic odor could point to electrical or mechanical issues like overheating wires or a failing blower motor resistor. When this happens, you must be careful as they're catalysts for short circuits and fire.

First of all, even if you're putting your car in storage for an extended period during winter, you should run it at least every two weeks. Leaving your car sitting for long is among the many mistakes that can damage your engine and other vehicle components, including the heater and tires. If there's a slight burning odor every time you start it, let the heater run for 5 to 10 minutes with the fan on a moderate setting.

If the smell lingers or comes back repeatedly, it would be wise to check the cabin air filter, which protects the heater from dirt, dust, and debris. If it's dirty or clogged, clean or replace the filters, especially if they are due for a change. Of course, the process might sound intimidating, but it's actually one of the simplest DIY auto projects that even beginners can tackle.

Now, if none of these resolve the issue, and you're not mechanically inclined, contact your technician as soon as possible. You might be dealing with a deeper problem that could lead to costly repairs.