Seeing exhaust the whole ride to work?
12-11-2008, 04:14 AM
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Today it was about 65 degrees and I on my to work this morning (25 mins) I could see exhaust the whole ride. I didnt smell anything weird, and I am not getting any warnings. Is this normal? If not what should I check?
12-11-2008, 05:06 AM
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I'm by no means an expert when compared to others here but that doesn't sound to good. If it's truly exhaust fumes, then likely some oil is burning where it shoudn't.
have you checked for any foreign fluids/oil on the ground coming from your car after having parked for awhile? Maybe best to get your car checked if this is an ongoing problem.
have you checked for any foreign fluids/oil on the ground coming from your car after having parked for awhile? Maybe best to get your car checked if this is an ongoing problem.
12-11-2008, 08:39 AM
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Without a smell, I don't think it would be oil burning, more likely its coolant/water. 
I agree however, a trip to the dealer is the best course of action before something major occurs! 
Good Luck!
I agree however, a trip to the dealer is the best course of action before something major occurs! Good Luck!
12-11-2008, 08:50 AM
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Originally Posted by 545insc' post='742933' date='Dec 11 2008, 03:14 PM
Today it was about 65 degrees and I on my to work this morning (25 mins) I could see exhaust the whole ride. I didnt smell anything weird, and I am not getting any warnings. Is this normal? If not what should I check?
It is the same thing as airplanes leaving a white stream on the sky.
A fighter pilot knows then, that the latitude is wrong, hostile fire can see you better.
Don't worry about it, it's normal.
12-11-2008, 08:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Ricracing' post='743090' date='Dec 11 2008, 09:50 AM
The exhaust is hotter than the air and when the air humidity is at a certain level it will look like smoke.
It is the same thing as airplanes leaving a white stream on the sky.
A fighter pilot knows then, that the latitude is wrong (every one can see)...
Don't worry about it, it's normal.
It is the same thing as airplanes leaving a white stream on the sky.
A fighter pilot knows then, that the latitude is wrong (every one can see)...
Don't worry about it, it's normal.
I would think after 5 minutes or so it would stop. Don't get me wrong, I hope you are correct, but my fear would be that you are not! 
I know if it were MY car I'd let the dealer take a peek at it even if just for my own edification!
12-11-2008, 09:00 AM
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Originally Posted by flyingpuck' post='743094' date='Dec 11 2008, 12:56 PM
You think its normal for a car at 65 degrees to continue to spew visible exhaust for 25 minutes? I would think after 5 minutes or so it would stop. Don't get me wrong, I hope you are correct, but my fear would be that you are not! I know if it were MY car I'd let the dealer take a peek at it even if just for my own edification!
I would think after 5 minutes or so it would stop. Don't get me wrong, I hope you are correct, but my fear would be that you are not! I know if it were MY car I'd let the dealer take a peek at it even if just for my own edification! two important things about smoke from the exhaust pipe are color and smell. if it's bluish in color and has a sour smell, it's oil you're burning. if it's white and smells sweet, it's coolant. if it doesn't smell or have discernible color, it's water vapor.
12-11-2008, 09:45 AM
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Where do you live? How many miles on your car? Was this the first time you noticed it? Were all the other cars on the road also smoking, or was your car the only one?
I would suggest checking the coolant level.
I would suggest checking the coolant level.
12-12-2008, 08:10 AM
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Car could just be running rich. Suggestion to have dealer check the car is valid.
12-12-2008, 09:10 AM
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wut color is the smoke? black is ok if WOT but white is not. if it smells sweet, check the head gasket. but during cold mornings, a lot of water vapor from the exhaust system has been built up. it's normal but not for 25 minutes. maybe 10-15 minutes
12-12-2008, 09:32 AM
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Originally Posted by flyingpuck' post='743094' date='Dec 11 2008, 07:56 PM
You think its normal for a car at 65 degrees to continue to spew visible exhaust for 25 minutes? I would think after 5 minutes or so it would stop. Don't get me wrong, I hope you are correct, but my fear would be that you are not! I know if it were MY car I'd let the dealer take a peek at it even if just for my own edification!
I would think after 5 minutes or so it would stop. Don't get me wrong, I hope you are correct, but my fear would be that you are not! I know if it were MY car I'd let the dealer take a peek at it even if just for my own edification! The car could "smoke" all day, as it happens over here close to the North Pole some days.
Read your chemistry
Blue smoke is a other story.