Possible Causes:
* Head gasket failure: This is a common and serious problem. A blown head gasket allows coolant to mix with the engine oil and enter the combustion chamber, resulting in white, sometimes milky, smoke.
* Cracked cylinder head: Similar to a head gasket failure, a crack in the cylinder head can also allow coolant to leak into the combustion chamber.
* Damaged coolant passages: Leaks or damage within the engine's coolant passages can lead to coolant entering the combustion chamber.
Can you burn it off on a long drive?
No. Trying to "burn off" the smoke by driving is not only ineffective but potentially harmful. Continuing to drive with a coolant leak will likely cause further damage to the engine, potentially leading to a catastrophic engine failure. The problem needs to be diagnosed and repaired by a mechanic. Driving with a coolant leak risks overheating and severely damaging your engine.
What to do:
1. Pull over safely: If you see white smoke, pull over as soon as it's safe to do so. Continuing to drive could cause serious engine damage.
2. Check your coolant level: Look in the coolant reservoir. A low level is a strong indicator of a leak.
3. Do NOT drive the car: Driving with a potential head gasket failure or other coolant leak could cause irreversible damage.
4. Have it towed to a mechanic: A professional mechanic needs to diagnose the root cause of the problem. They will likely need to perform a compression test and other diagnostics to pinpoint the leak.
White smoke is a serious issue and should not be ignored. Ignoring it could result in costly repairs or even a complete engine replacement.
