If you are pressing the accelerator hard but you're not moving and there is a burning smell, what is happening?

• A. The engine is overheating
• B. The parking brake is still engaged
• C. The transmission is slipping
• D. The brakes are locked

Answer: (B)

When you press the accelerator hard but don’t move and you notice a burning smell, the most likely issue is that the parking brake is still engaged. The parking brake holds the brakes against the wheels, causing friction and heat. That friction can produce a burning odor and prevent the car from accelerating normally because the brakes are resisting motion.

If the parking brake is released and the smell disappears and motion returns, you’re all set. If the smell persists after releasing it, or the car still won’t move smoothly, quietly check for brake binding or other issues. But in this scenario, the burning smell plus lack of movement points to the parking brake being on.