Can't say I've really noticed it until it got a bit colder outside, but my exhaust is constantly pushing out white smoke, not so much when under gas, but it's noticeable at idle. I know it's normal to see it at startup, but even after the engine is warmed up I still see exhaust smoke in my mirror.

Coolant looks fine, engine temp is normal, just replaced plugs/wires about 5,000 miles ago. Car is completely stock. Do y'all see white exhaust smoke normally as well? Or do I have an expensive repair coming up?

 

vapor more than likely....now if it turns blue, and smells like oil, I'd worry....

 

Depending on how cold it is, it's likely just vapor. However, if it's not that cold outside then it could be (not saying it is) and internal head gasket leak. It could be slow, but enough to cause the smoke. If you've check the coolant levels and there's no appearence of a leak, keep checking it to confirm theres not a slow drain. You could also do a pressure test.

Likely nothing, but I do know mine doesn't do that in cold weather. It will upon start up but once it warms up, unless it's really cold, it subsides quckly.

 

I'm hoping it's nothing, not really looking forward to a head gasket job. it's just that I can still clearly see the exhaust after 20 minutes of driving, that's what has me worried.

No weird smells though.

 

the best way to check if you have a problem, or anyone that thinks they have smoke coming out the exhaust.

at night get in front of some and floor it, you may see black smoke at that time,,or blue smoke hope not white smoke ,,repete this 3 or 4 times as you may just have carbon build up. after 4 times it should not smoke any more.
if you get blue snoke on start up (first start of the day that is valve seals,or valve guides letting oil leak into a cylinder, upon start up it burns)

1 blue smoke =oil
2 black smoke= fuel
3 white smoke= water

jim

 

Had a buddy check it out, it's not black or blue smoke. It's white, but said it's not as excessive as I thought. I may get my mechanic to check it out anyway.

 

if it only happens when the car is cold (first start and until it warms up) it is condensation, and all cars do that ,,
the hot exhaust on to clod manifolds and pipe you may see drops of water coming out the exhaust tip
if this is what you are talking about , don't do anything except clean your exhaust every day, Oh! this happens mostly in the winter ,think about it , see cars with white smoke coming out on cars stopped at a red light with snow on the ground. jim

 

Yeah, I'm an idiot. Just paranoid about a high mileage car. All good

 

Warm exhaust mixes with cold is the same result as when it is cold out and you exhale produces a visible vapor.

 

actually, you are not an idiot. It was a good question, and the type of question we old guys like to answer....and you care about your car....so good for you....

 

White smoke can often mean that antifreeze is somehow getting into your combustion chamber versus simply hot exhaust flowing into a cold exhaust system. Easiest way to tell is simply to put your hand into the vapor for a few seconds, then rub your fingers together. If it's antifreeze it will feel slightly slippery when you rub your fingers together.