What can white smoke from the tailpipe in a car mean: don't ignore it

The mechanic urged drivers to stop driving immediately if they encounter an unpleasant warning sign while behind the wheel.

Often, motorists don't pay much attention to smoke from the exhaust pipe when they start the car in cold weather. But British mechanic expert Shaun Jones warned that white smoke could be a sign of a serious car malfunction, the Express reports.

"If you notice white smoke coming out of your car's tailpipe, it's best not to continue driving. While short trips can be safe if the smoke is caused by condensation, other breakdowns, such as a blown head gasket or coolant leak, can get worse while driving," the expert explained.

According to the mechanic, if there is a coolant leak, it is important to find and repair the source, whether it is a radiator, water pump, or worn seals.

A head gasket is a seal between the cylinder head and the block that prevents oil and coolant from mixing and helps increase power. It is found in almost all modern gasoline and diesel engines.

A coolant leak can cause the engine head gasket to fail, leading to rapid engine overheating and a significant drop in power. If the driver continues to use the vehicle, the components will not be properly lubricated, meaning they face a much greater risk of breakdown.

However, white exhaust smoke can also indicate that coolant is leaking from another part of the vehicle. It can also indicate a cracked cylinder head.

Located at the top of the engine, the cylinder head helps control how much air and fuel each cylinder receives to get the best combination of power and fuel economy. If it cracks, coolant can leak into the component, resulting in white smoke from the tailpipe.

In most cases, a cracked cylinder head will need to be completely replaced.

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