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What causes white smoke when you first start the car?

There are several possible causes for white smoke when you first start the car:

1. Condensation: In cold weather, water vapor from the exhaust system can condense into visible white smoke. This is normal and will usually disappear once the engine warms up.

2. Coolant leak: If there is a leak in the cooling system, coolant can mix with the exhaust gases and produce white smoke. This can be a serious problem that requires immediate attention.

3. Head gasket leak: A blown head gasket can also cause coolant to leak into the combustion chambers, producing white smoke. This is another serious problem that requires immediate attention.

4. Oil burning: If the engine is burning oil, it can produce white or blue smoke. This can be caused by a number of issues, including worn piston rings, valve seals, or turbocharger seals.

5. Fuel injector problems: If the fuel injectors are not working properly, they can cause the engine to run rich and produce white smoke.

If you are seeing white smoke from your exhaust, it is important to have it diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to determine the cause and ensure that there are no serious underlying problems.