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My car's tailpipe emits white smoke occasionally. Is this something I should worry about?
Christopher Tan
Sat, Mar 01, 2008
The Straits Times

MY CAR'S tailpipe emits white smoke occasionally. Is this something I should worry about?

AS LONG as your car's coolant level is not falling faster than normal and your car does not overheat easily, there is not much cause for worry.

However, if the coolant level drops much faster than normal and you need to top up frequently (that is, every few days or weeks), it may be a sign of internal coolant leak.

White smoke is also a sign of worn piston rings. This problem affects mainly older cars but can occur in newer vehicles that are used for racing or those which clock extraordinarily high mileage.

Either way, get your car checked by a mechanic.

 

 
STORY INDEX
 
  My car's tailpipe emits white smoke occasionally. Is this something I should worry about?
   
 
  Lately, it has become difficult for me to steer my car. What could be the problem?
   
 
  I drive a four-wheel- drive vehicle and, of late, I hear clicking noises whenever I put it into Drive mode and accelerate. What could be causing the noise?
   
 
  I drive a five-speed manual transmission car. Of late, I have trouble engaging gears - even when I fully depress the clutch pedal. What is the problem?
   
 
  Of late, whenever I brake while travelling at high speeds, I feel some vibration on the steering wheel as well as the car in general.
   
 
  My car's brake pedal has suddenly become very stiff when I step on it. Is the brake booster faulty?
   
 
  My car's steering wheel wobbles when I drive. What is wrong?
   
 
  There is a thin film of oil covering my car's shock absorbers. What should I do?
   
 
  I just changed my car's tyres and was told that I need to change its steering tie rods and ball joints as well. Should I change them before or after getting the wheels aligned?
   
 
  What happens if I do not replace worn-out shock absorbers?
   
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