Drivers warned over ‘white smoke’ coming from car | Tech News

A warning from a seasoned mechanic has drivers on high alert as they are told to cease driving immediately if they spot a particular harrowing indicator while in the driver’s seat.

Even though increased exhaust smoke may be more noticeable when cars are started in the frigid weather, experts caution that white smoke could herald substantial vehicular trouble.

Shaun Jones, a top protoler for motoring recue in the UK pointed out that white exhaust smoke might reveal a blown engine head gasket resulting from coolant system leakage.

He emphasized: “If you notice white smoke coming from your car’s exhaust, it’s best not to continue driving. While short drives may be safe if the smoke is due to condensation, other causes, like a blown head gasket or coolant leaks, can worsen with driving.

“If there’s a coolant leak, it’s important to locate and repair the source, whether it’s the radiator, water pump, or worn seals.”

The head gasket functions as a vital seal within almost all modern engines, straddling petrol and diesel variants, by preventing oil and coolant amalgamation, thereby enhancing power output.

A coolant escape can incapacitate a head gasket, triggering abrupt overheating, a drastic plunge in engine potency, and escalating the risk of a breakdown should the car continue operating without the requisite lubrication for its components.

Drivers are being urged to get their head gaskets checked by a mechanic as soon as they suspect a failure, which can be a costly repair with the average replacement price hovering around $1000. 

White exhaust smoke could spell further trouble, potentially indicating a cracked cylinder head, elaborates the AA.

Cracks in this vital engine component, tasked with optimizing air and fuel intake for power and efficiency, can result in coolant leaks and demand replacement costs between $1500 to $2000 depending on the engine.

Moreover, Shaun warns if your car expels blue smoke, it’s imperative to avoid driving and seek immediate inspection since this signals excessive oil burning within the engine that could lead to escalated damage, reduced fuel economy, and performance declines.

He cautions: “For blue smoke, it’s important to act quickly. Avoid driving, as continuing to drive can worsen the problem, leading to more damage and costly repairs.

“You may also experience reduced fuel efficiency and engine performance issues.”