Solana Beach Auto Repair

We realize that seeing white smoke coming from your vehicle's exhaust pipe can be a cause for concern. It is not a normal circumstance - so what does it signify? First of all, your vehicle's exhaust pipe is where your car's fumes are discharged. White smoke is not normal; however, it does not necessarily always point to a critical issue. Here are some of the common causes of white exhaust smoke that we've seen in our shop:  Condensation  If you notice the white smoke on a brisk, cold day and you only just started your vehicle, you may just be seeing steam from condensation. Wait it out and see if the smoke will clear quickly.  Coolant Leak  A coolant leak is a common cause of white exhaust smoke. If there is a coolant leak in your vehicle, you may also smell a sweet syrupy scent. Beware because low coolant can cause damage to your vehicle's engine and surrounding components. Take your car to an auto repair shop, so getting this taken care of ... read more

A coolant plays a crucial role in your car's engine system. First, it is responsible for heat transfer across the system, maintaining optimum temperature, and protecting the engine from overheating or freezing. It also lubricates the constantly moving engine components ensuring your car runs smoothly and efficiently. So How Does an Engine Coolant Work? The coolant is a colored liquid mixed with water and held in a reservoir attached to the radiator. Every time the engine is active, the coolant moves across the engine system and then gets back to the radiator for cooling. Upon cooling, it escapes from the bottom of the radiator, after which it is supplied into the water pump. The water pump pushes the coolant to your vehicle's engine head and block where it controls the temperature. The antifreeze will then be pumped back into the radiator for cooling. Your engine's coolant system is quite intricate made of such components as: Radiator Hose Drives heat a ... read more