White smoke/steam from bonnet

yayaitsme

It's my first car so don't really know what's wrong. We I parked up tonight it looked like steam coming from the vents at the top of the bonnet near the windscreen. Any clues what could be causing it?

delly

yayaitsme wrote: »

It's my first car so don't really know what's wrong. We I parked up tonight it looked like steam coming from the vents at the top of the bonnet near the windscreen. Any clues what could be causing it?

Steam is usually a sign of coolant escaping somehow, although there are other reasons such as rain or condensation making their way onto a hot part of the engine.

What make, model and year?

endacl

First car?

When's the last time it was serviced or had its fluids checked?

I may be misjudging (if so, apologies!) but I've seen first cars being mechanically neglected because the young owner paying through the snout for insurance doesn't always have the spare cash to take car of the unseen but important.

endacl

First car?

When's the last time it was serviced or had its fluids checked?

I may be misjudging (if so, apologies!) but I've seen first cars being mechanically neglected because the young owner paying through the snout for insurance doesn't always have the spare cash to take car of the unseen but important.

Atlantic Dawn

Did you just buy the car, if not how long do you have it?
Is it stream like you would see from say a hot cup of tea or is it flowing out of it heavy?
Any warning lights on the dash?
Is the temperature gauge indicating the car is over heating?
Is there water in the raditator? (don't check this when the engine is hot)
Is it a Fiat Punto?

mickdw

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Is it a Fiat Punto?

I laughed but fair comment.

yayaitsme

It's a 03 focus,I got it in October, last serviced in November. No warning lights showing. Thanks for the help though I'll check the radiator for water when it's light out.

marklazarcovic

Was it ice defrosting ?

Atlantic Dawn

It could be something harmless like cold water on the hot/warm bonnet or could be water after making contact with the brake pads/discs.

yayaitsme

I'm thinking it's just steam from cold water alright. I decided to get it checked though, better safe than sorry. Appreciate all the help though.