Greetings, looking for some help and insight.

I have a new 2012 Accent 5GL Std, only had it for a week, and I am now noticing a burning rubber smell when I back out of my drive way and was wondering if someone could tell me what's going on here. Being Sunday, my dealership is not open, and I am away during the week.

I am wondering if I am over working the engine, as I am backing out of a driveway going up on a 13% grade to start, transistioning to a 23% grade almost right away.

I have only had this car for a week, and the first few times noticed no smell, but now I am starting to notice a nice rubber smell everytime. There was one time where I obviously did not get enough RPM to carry me up and the car vibrated like on the verge of stalling. Ever since this event (about 3 reverses ago) I started to notice the smell.

The last thing I want to do is burn out my reverse gear on a brand new car. For now I have started backing into my drive way so I don't need to use reverse on such a steep hill.

Should I get the car back to the shop soon? Is damage going to continue to be done? Should I be concerned? Am I right with my assumptions as per above and have I done the right fix?

thanks for any help and information!

-Todd

 

Well, how many miles do you have on it? Under 1000 miles there are going to be some odd things happening.

Clutch and brakes need to break in gradually, tires break in quickly, and suspension and steering may have a few creaks and groans to work out.

My suggestion is that if you smell anything after 1000 miles, take it back to the dealer.

Here are some preventative things to think about:
1. Let your car WARM UP before you leave, 45-60 seconds minimum.
2. When taking off from stop (reverse or forward) don't rev the engine over 2000 rpm until you have the clutch FULLY engaged (foot completely off the pedal).
3. When driving around normally, DO NOT stomp on the brakes or manipulate them in a manner other than normal driving conditions, unless, of course there is an emergency situation, then stomp away.
4. Ignore the ECO shift indicator until you've gone over 1000 miles. Shift between 2500-3000 rpm for normal driving.
5. For the first 600 miles, don't lug the engine below 2000 rpm, or rev over 4000rpm. So, if cruising on the highway at 55 in 6th means you're at 1700rpm, you need to be in 5th gear... I know, mileage will suck... but you can't lug the engine like that.

Lastly... and again, no idea what kind of driver/mileage/etc. you've got going on, but until you get to 700 miles, don't allow the car to idle for more than 3 minutes at a time, and do not drive at 1 rpm for over 2 miles on the highway... The engine needs to break in at different RPM, so keeping with the 2000-4000 RPM theme, modulate the throttle, or use Cruise Control and go up 2-3mph for a few miles, then down 2-3mph for a few miles, then down again, then up again, etc... Keep it varied.

Once you hit over 600-700 miles, feel free to drive it like you stole it... however, remember to keep your clutch movements smooth, and not to rev over 2500 rpm from a stop... There is just no need.

Again... 1000 miles on the car and it's still stinking like clutch... you've got to either focus on your clutch engagement and see if it gets better; but if you're a pro and not dragging it out, then you should probably go to the dealer.

 

FYI

took the car in today... they found nothing wrong. They took it for a test drive AFTER they had lifted it up on the hoist and inspected things.

Car runs better now than when I took possession... gears transition smoother and accelleration in 1st and 2nd is now smooth with no surge feeling.

Even though they didn't find anything wrong, and nothing to fix, they sure did a fine job fixing what they didn't know was there.