Its steam - normal by product of burning petrol. When cooler the steam is white and can be seen. When the engine and exhaust systen warm up the steam becomes colourless and is still there
I would like a couple of quid for everytime I have seen this question on here
If your coolant level isn't dropping and your oil is okay, it's almost certain your engine is fine. As others have said, water vapour is a by-product of combustion and is normally invisible. However, if the exhaust is cold it can start to condense into the white vapour we usually call steam. That's very common, and some cars do it more than others. If it goes away when everything is warmed up that proves the point.
White smoke can be nothing to be concerned about if it’s thin, like vapor. This is probably the result of normal condensation buildup inside the exhaust system. This kind of smoke disappears quickly.
However, thicker smoke is a big problem, and can be caused the engine burning coolant. This can be the result of a serious issue like a blown head gasket, a damaged cylinder head, or a cracked engine block – all of which are costly repairs.
Don’t ignore it, however, as the problem could become far worse. Even a small leak in the coolant can lead to overheating and serious risk of damage to the engine. A coolant leak can also mix with oil and cause serious headaches for you and your car.
Hi i see yes joseph is yet another idiot who knows nothing.
As ever Evelyn and Timbo have it right.
CONDENSATION.that is what rots exhaust systems from the inside out. not just on the outside from salt and water and changes in temperature.
Joseph's answer is wrong, usually a piston worn would be indicated with thick black smoke not white.
White smoke is common on cold days and should disappear once warmed up.
Otherwise it's a cracked head, coolant leaking in the engine.
Get it checked by a reputable garage!!
If the car runs ok it's almost certainly harmless water vapour. If it is visible when the engine is at full temperature that's a different matter., As said, joseph is totally wrong.
hot day, hot exhaust, white smoke that doesn't smell of oil is steam, which is from water getting into the cylinders via a leaking head gasket or a crack in the cylinder head.
Check the coolant to see if there's any oil floating on it as another check for a head gasket failing. Another sign is a creamy 'mayonnaise' under the oil filler cap, created by oil and water being mixed.
A compression test can also help identify the problem.
Oil can burn black, but it can also burn pale blue. The smell gives it away.
It needs a professional or expert amateur to check it out.
A bit of condensation is nothing to worry about, but it could be worth getting the engine checked for head gasket failure, which will get worse and more expensive to fix the longer you leave it.
the engine is stuffed , the piston rings are worn and is letting in engine oil and its getting burned out . keep an eye on your engine oil level and keep it topped up to the max line if you plan to keep driving it .
your engine needs a mechanic to fix its a complete engine overhaul . big money needed to fix .
lol , give it to joseph he"ll over-haul it for you , seems like your car has taken up smoking , give him a nicoteen patch ,may cure the smoking habbit.
starts first time and ticks over fine, as engine warms up white smoke comes out of exhaust. corsa 1200 auto.
