What Causes Continuous White Smoke from the Exhaust?
2 Answers
Continuous white smoke from the exhaust can be caused by excessive water content in gasoline, a damaged cylinder head gasket, a cracked cylinder liner, or coolant entering the cylinder. Here are specific details about white smoke from the exhaust: 1. The "white smoke" in the exhaust is actually water vapor. 2. If the engine's piston is faulty, the car may burn oil, leading to a significant increase in white smoke from the exhaust, requiring a thorough inspection. 3. Another possible cause is a dirty air filter, resulting in insufficient air intake. 4. As long as the car is not emitting black or blue smoke, the issue is generally not severe.
When I see white smoke continuously coming from the exhaust, I know it could be a serious issue because normal exhaust should be transparent or light gray. The most common cause is coolant leaking into the engine combustion chamber, possibly due to a blown head gasket or a cracked cylinder head. When antifreeze is drawn in and burned, it produces thick white smoke. If you detect a sweet smell, it basically confirms a cooling system leak. Ignoring this can lead to engine overheating or even complete failure. I recommend checking the coolant level immediately—if it's dropping rapidly, it indicates the problem is worsening. Always keep an eye on the engine temperature gauge while driving, and address any abnormalities early to save on repair costs. Remember, some white vapor during cold starts is normal steam, but if it persists after driving several kilometers, it definitely requires attention.
