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White Smoke

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by blpc, Feb 22, 2010.

  1. blpc

    blpc New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2010
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    Location:
    DC Metro Area
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Hi. We got our new 2010 Prius III with nav/solar this past January. The car is amazing and we couldn't be happier. The car currently has about 280 miles and it's fun to see the average mpg increase every time we drive.

    Yesterday, we dropped off our other car at the mechanic. I was driving the Prius and my wife was driving behind me. On the way she noticed sporadic puffs of white smoke coming out of the Prius's tailpipe. We switched cars and I saw the same thing. We're in Maryland and the temperature yesterday was in the 40s.

    Is this normal for a new car, or new Prius for that matter? Should we be concerned the engine is burning coolant? I tried to search PC but couldn't find anything helpful.

    Thanks,
    Ben
     
    #1 blpc, Feb 22, 2010
  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2009
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    Location:
    Alaska
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Probably just condensation/steam when the engine starts up. As long as it is not blue, shouldn't be a problem.
     
    #2 spiderman, Feb 22, 2010
  3. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Los Angeles Foothills
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
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    N/A

    It just means we have a new "Pope"....
    Rejoice, your car is "Blessed"
     
    #3 KK6PD, Feb 22, 2010
  4. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2007
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    Location:
    Carmichael, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Its normal for a catalyst equipped car to emit some water vapor since that is a byproduct of combustion and catalyst conversion of unburned HC to CO2 + H2O. In a normal (non-hybrid) car, it will emit water vapor as the exhaust system warms up and then not be noticeable except when the air temps are really cold.

    On the other hand, if you have a bad head gasket or other leak into a combustion chamber, it will undoubtedly get worse within the 5 yr/60k powertrain warranty and then you can get the dealer to fix it gratis. Just check the coolant tank from time to time to make sure you aren't losing coolant. :)
     
    #4 dogfriend, Feb 22, 2010
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