What could this burning smell be ?

[Gilli]

I'm going to ask my mobile mechanic for advice tomorrow, but in the meantime, wondered if anyone had any suggestions?

I drove about 11 miles today, when I stopped and got out I noticed a burning smell ......... 2.5 hours later, drove home and when i'd parked up noticed the same smell. (Previously, I wasn't sure if it was my car or something outside).

Last time I had my car serviced (about 3-4 months ago), the mechanic did say I'd need my brake pads & shoes replacing in about another 3-4000 miles .... think I've done about 2000 since.

Do you think the smell might be due to this ? Obviously I'm a little nervous about driving it now.

[KebabMeister]

It could be many different things.  It could be the brakes as mentioned, but you'd normally hear a grinding noise if they were breaking/burning up.  It could be your clutch that's burned out.  It could be something caught in the radiator or in/around your exhaust.  It could be a motor/brushes burnt out.  Or oil leaking onto the exhaust etc.  The list is almost endless.

So, where exactly is the smell coming from?  Have you opened the bonnet?  Is it a plasticy smell? Try and get your mobile mechanic out to see your car asap.

[dougielogan]

The next time you go for a drive and then stop feel all four wheels and see if there is one runnig hot, it could be a sticky brake caliper or rear brake sticking on.

[landie]

I take it that you do release the hand brake before setting off, so, alternately, it may be that your brakes are binding (sticking).