i notcied last night after we drove for about 3 miles. i noticed a huge burning smell.. it was raining at the time so i didnt check where the smell or heat is from.

this morning i let the car run for about 30 mins idle and i noticed the burning smell was strong and i could feel the heat wave when i near the car.. i checked the temperature gauge and it is not overheating..

it is an older car with 160k miles on it...

what are the things i should be checking for..

at this moment i am trying to diagnose the car and to see where the problem would be...

 

Lift hood, look for smoke/fumes...if some component is genuinely overheating to the extent of a burning smell then it should be visible.

 

Thank you simonsi.. I tried to look today and i didnt notice anything.. I will keep an eye on it.