Why does my car smoke when I first start it?

Why does my car smoke when I first start it?

But white smoke usually is caused by vaporized coolant, which often is the result of a blown head gasket. Then, when you restart the engine, that coolant gets combusted, along with the gasoline and air. And that makes white smoke. So, the first thing to do is ask your mechanic to do a head-gasket test.

Is it normal for white smoke to come out of exhaust?

The main causes of smoke from an exhaust can vary depending on your car and its condition. White smoke from the exhaust: This could be steam caused by condensation in the exhaust pipe or a more serious issue caused by an engine coolant leak. Excessive amounts of white smoke could indicate head gasket failure.

What does it mean when you start your car and white smoke comes out?

White Smoke From Tailpipe Coolant being burned up in the engine typically points to a leaking head gasket. Deep inside the engine, this gasket forms a seal between the engine’s head (or heads) and the block.

Why do you need to change the head gasket?

If the body of the gasket loses load and leaks coolant into the oil ports, bad things happen. The oil will be compromised in its lubricity, resulting in possible damage to the internal engine parts. It may also result in excessive heat and other failures. This requires replacement of the head gasket immediately.

What are head gaskets on a car?

The head gasket is compressed between the engine block and the cylinder head. The head gasket seals in the internal combustion process and also keeps coolant and oil from mixing together as the two fluids travel from the engine block to the cylinder head.

What does oil in coolant look like?

If you have oil mixed with coolant in the reservoir, you will notice a thick, milky or gravy-like substance that is a tell-tale sign that you have this issue. You will want to clean the reservoir thoroughly and flush the radiator with water.