What Causes White Smoke?
2 Answers
The reasons for white smoke coming from the front of the car are: Cracks in the cylinder block: The engine burns coolant, which may be due to cracks in the cylinder block or cracks in the cylinder head gasket. In such cases, the cylinder block and cylinder head gasket should be inspected. If the cylinder block is cracked, it should be replaced. Coolant not replaced in time: The engine block temperature is too low. When the engine temperature rises, the white smoke phenomenon gradually disappears, which is normal. Coolant needs to be replaced regularly. If it is not replaced for a long time, the freezing point of the coolant will increase, and the boiling point will decrease. If the coolant is not replaced for a long time, it will affect the normal operation of the engine.
I've encountered the situation of my car emitting white smoke several times, and each time it was caused by engine issues. The most common reason is a blown head gasket, which allows coolant to leak into the cylinders and burn, producing thick white smoke like a steam engine. If not addressed promptly, low coolant levels can cause the engine to overheat, potentially leading to complete engine failure. Last time I delayed repairs, it cost me several thousand extra. Another possible cause is water ingress, such as after heavy rain or driving through flooded areas, where water enters the exhaust system and burns, producing white smoke. Some white smoke during cold starts is normal as it's just water vapor, but if the smoke persists after the engine warms up, it's definitely a problem. I suggest friends stop immediately to check the coolant level if they notice anything unusual, and visit a professional repair shop if it's low—safety first.
