Car Won’t Start, Smoke Coming from Engine

One of the most frightening things that can happen to a driver is when their car won’t start and there’s smoke coming from the engine. This can be a sign of a serious problem, but it’s not always the case. In some cases, it may be possible to fix the problem yourself. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and have the car towed to a mechanic if you’re not sure what’s causing the problem.

Causes of Smoke Coming from Engine

There are several different things that can cause smoke to come from the engine. Some of the most common causes include:

Overheating: If the engine is overheating, it can cause the oil to burn and produce smoke.
Oil leak: If there is an oil leak, it can cause the oil to drip onto the exhaust manifold and produce smoke.
Blown head gasket: A blown head gasket can allow coolant to leak into the engine, which can produce smoke.
Damaged piston rings: Damaged piston rings can allow oil to leak into the combustion chamber, which can produce smoke.
Faulty valve seals: Faulty valve seals can allow oil to leak into the combustion chamber, which can produce smoke.

What to Do if Your Car Won’t Start and There’s Smoke Coming from the Engine

If your car won’t start and there’s smoke coming from the engine, there are a few things you should do:

Turn off the engine: If the engine is still running, turn it off immediately.
Get out of the car: If the smoke is coming from the engine, it’s possible that there’s a fire. Get out of the car and move to a safe location.
Call for help: If you’re not sure what’s causing the smoke, it’s best to call for help. A mechanic can diagnose the problem and fix it.

Preventing Smoke from Coming from Engine

There are a few things you can do to prevent smoke from coming from the engine, including:

Keep the engine oil level full: If the engine oil level is low, it can cause the engine to overheat and produce smoke.
Fix any oil leaks: If there is an oil leak, it’s important to fix it as soon as possible. This will prevent the oil from dripping onto the exhaust manifold and producing smoke.
Get regular engine tune-ups: Regular engine tune-ups can help to prevent problems that can lead to smoke coming from the engine.

Conclusion

If your car won’t start and there’s smoke coming from the engine, it’s important to take action immediately. Turn off the engine, get out of the car, and call for help. A mechanic can diagnose the problem and fix it.