Recently I've noticed white smoke coming out of my exhaust while the car is idling, even when the engine is warm. I look at other cars and don't see any smoke from their exhausts. Anyone knows the possible reason?
Any help is appreciated.

Andy

 

white smoke is usually coolant or oil. If it smells ort of sticky sweet it's probably coolant...have mechanic check it out.

 

Does your Maxima require addition of coolant? If so, the added coolant is replacing some which left the cooling system. Where did it go? If it exited the car through the exhaust system you have a problem such as a blown head gasket, cracked cylinder head, or cracked engine block. White smoke is an ominous sign.

 

No, I never added coolant. I check the fluids pretty often and haven't noticed my coolant level getting lower. And, I really really hope it's not a cracked cylinder head, or cracked engine block like u said. The car is only 3 years old. Well I set an appointment with my mechanic on monday, see what he sais.
Thanks guys
Andy

 

Oh boy, I noticed the same thing today on my 95 GXE.... My coolant level was maybe an inch under max level... But than again I haven't really noticed where it was when I got the car about 3 weeks ago... I'm praying it's not one of the probs listed above and it was just the colder weather today or something.... (live in NYC)
Anyone know how much a repair would run if by chance it was a cracked cylinder head or engine block??
-Thanks
(still praying....)

 

Well, I brought my car to mechanic today. He looked all over it, lifted it up, checked the exhaust(inside of the muffler tip) to see if there is any oil or black stuff in it. He didn't find any signs of oil or coolant burning.
He also explained that during rainy or cold days white smoke is normal and is nothing to worry about.

Andy

 

No cause for alarm here. I think just about every 4th gen will do this at one time or another. It's mostly just hot exhaust gases exiting into a cooler temp (like you'd see on a winter day)
My 4th gen used to do this when it was 80 degrees outside, but only for a few minutes. As long as it's just small wisps of smoke its not a problem