Why do car run hot and white smoke from exhaust?

Overheating: One of the most common causes of a car running hot and producing white smoke from the exhaust is overheating. When the engine is running at too high temperatures, it can cause the coolant to boil and turn into steam, which can then escape through the exhaust system and appear as white smoke. Various factors can contribute to overheating, such as:

- Coolant Leaks: Leaks in the cooling system can lead to a loss of coolant, reducing its ability to absorb and dissipate heat effectively.

- Faulty Thermostat: A thermostat that's not functioning correctly or is stuck closed can prevent coolant from circulating properly, resulting in localized overheating.

- Clogged Radiator: A blockage in the radiator's cooling fins or internal passages can impede airflow, reducing the radiator's efficiency at dissipating heat.

- Fan Issues: If the cooling fan isn't operating appropriately or there are problems with the fan belt, the engine may overheat due to insufficient air circulation through the radiator.

- Head Gasket Failure: A compromised head gasket can allow engine coolant to leak into the combustion chambers. When the coolant is burned during combustion, it produces steam and can cause white smoke.

Condensation: In certain situations, white smoke from the exhaust may be normal. This is particularly common during cold mornings when the exhaust contains water vapor condensation from the combustion process. As the engine warms up and the exhaust system heats up, the water vapor dissipates, and the white smoke clears. However, if the white smoke persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it's important to investigate further.