White fumes from Toyota Corolla 2007 petrol

appukuttan

Hi,
I bought an old Toyota Corolla (2007, petrol) last month and I am driving it to and from office for a couple of weeks. Before 3 days, I came to notice that white fumes are coming from the exhaust mostly at the time I clutch in. This is mostly happening at the time in lowest gear or in reverse. I have absolute zero knowledge in car mechanism and I am little worry about this as the service centers are closed for a week till new year. It would be very helpful, if some can suggest me whether I can take the car for a drive or need any serious inspections.

Thanks

White "smoke" is actually water vapour. One of the by-products of the petrol combustion process is water so unless the car is losing coolant it's normal. Typically the vapour is seen immediately after the cold start and when moving off after the engine has been idling for a while.

In extreme cold countries the exhaust system rear muffler can actually be blocked by ice if the car is only driven for small distances where the exhaust won't get hot enough to allow evaporation of the accumulated water.

biko

If the white fumes are wispy there is probably nothing to worry about, just vapour being more noticeable as the ouside temp is low.
Are you in the car for more than 30 mins each way? It may not have time to heat up properly.
As said, keep an eye on the coolant level.

appukuttan

Thanks for the suggestions..