Q: White smoke billows out of exhaust pipe
Smoke comes out of the exhaust when I start my car in the mornings or after it has been parked for a while. It is a cloud of white smoke that billows out the exhaust pipe and then it stops. There are no problems with the lights on the dashboard - no warning lights. I recently had the oil changed, but that did not solve the smoke problem. What is your assessment of this and what can be done to fix it?
Recommended Services
| Smoke from engine or exhaust Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
Hey there. White exhaust smoke is generally indicative of a blown head gasket or other conditions where water or water vapor is getting into the engine. Higher mileage vehicles are especially prone to this potential problem. Have a professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, inspect your engine to pinpoint the issue.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
How Does Climate Control Differ From Air Conditioning?
Climate control and air conditioning (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-is-the-difference-between-climate-control-and-air-conditioning) are terms that are very often used interchangeably. These two systems are related, but they are not the same. The climate control system is used to achieve and maintain a temperature inside a vehicle...
How do I change the language in the electronic vehicle information center (EVIC)?
The electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) can operate in six languages. English, Spanish, French, Dutch, German, and Italian. To change the language, use the navigational tools on the left side of the steering wheel to scroll through the EVIC display...
Wipers working intermittently.
Although the most common problem for the wipers on this vehicle is the wiper motor, I'm not quite certain this is the case for you. I believe you may have a bad ground somewhere under the dash. I would have...
Airbag light on; horn and cruise control don't work
This is almost certainly an issue with the clock spring on your vehicles steering column. This is the part that allows steering wheel electronics to be connected without wires so that the steering wheel can be turned without risking a...
Acura tl crank no start
You need to check the engine sensors on the front of the engine. They may have gotten damaged by the belt when it broke. The crankshaft/camshaft sensors or wiring is damaged. I suggest having a certified technician, like one from...
I am attempting to install a Viper 4105V remote start system
Most of the time these ant theft systems are generic in nature and do not give a good identified wire diagram to work on any vehicle. With the advent of computer control lighting and lock modules on vehicles made within...
Overheating, blow cold air
The heater not working in some cases may be related to the overheating problem you are also having. This may be due to a faulty heater blower motor or potentially a bad heater core (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/heater-is-not-working-inspection). As you may know, the...
Change interior lights and now it won't start.
Hi there. There is a short in the switch to the interior lights (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/courtesy-light-switch-replacement) causing the fuse box to burn fuses and make the car not start up. If you need further assistance with your electrical system, then seek out...
1997 Honda CR-V cranks but won't fire. Changed fuel pump it ran for a few days. Then would crank and not start. The next day it st
Hello, thank you for writing in. If the issue seems to be fuel related, you are going to want to run some more tests, but they must be done when the vehicle is acting up. When the vehicle will not...
Related articles
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Lexus LS
With With a four-generation legacy spanning a quarter of a century, the Lexus LS may not be the riskiest, most cutting-edge vehicle in its class but its devotees don’t mind – the reliability, near perfection of design, and pronounced bent...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor)
Common signs include poor fuel economy, black smoke coming from the engine, engine overheating, and the Check Engine Light turning on.
How to Polish Exhaust Headers
Due Due to the degree of heat and amount of exposure that an exhaust header is exposed to from your system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-exhaust-systems-work), it is prone to showing signs of wear and tear. So, on occasion, you may wish to polish...
Browse other content
Services
Estimates