Smoke & Smell

White Smoke From Exhaust

Thin morning vapor is normal; thick, constant white smoke with a sweet smell is not.

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Smoke is thick and continuous

Sweet smell noticeable

Thick white smoke with a sweet smell means coolant is burning. Stop driving before the engine overheats or the head gasket fails completely.

Likely causes: White Smoke From Exhaust

ranked by likelihood
1
Condensation burning off (normal)
65%

Thin white vapor for a few seconds on a cold morning is completely normal.

Normal $0
2
Coolant leaking into the engine (head gasket)
35%

Thick, continuous white smoke with a sweet smell means coolant is burning inside the engine.

Stop driving now $100–$2,000+
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Burning Smell From Engine

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