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Smoke From Under The Car

Smoke rising from under the car usually comes from oil or fluid dripping on the exhaust, a sticking brake, debris on the exhaust or, more seriously, a fuel leak or fire.

Short answer · Why is smoke coming from under my car?

The exhaust runs under the car and gets very hot. Oil, gearbox fluid or coolant dripping on it smokes. Leaves or plastic caught on it can smoulder. A sticking brake produces smoke near one wheel. Smoke combined with a fuel smell or visible flames means you must get away from the car.

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Safe checks you can do

  1. Stop safely and switch offGet everyone out if smoke is heavy.Do not approach if there are flames or a strong fuel smell.
  2. Note where the smoke comes fromMiddle of the car: exhaust; near a wheel: brakes.
  3. Look for dripsFluid on the ground shows what is leaking.

Questions that narrow it down

  1. Is there a fuel smell?Treat as an emergency.
  2. Is one wheel very hot?A sticking brake.
  3. Did you drive over leaves or litter?Debris on the exhaust.

Possible causes

Listed without ranking. Use the questions above to see which ones fit your car.

  1. Oil dripping on the exhaustBlue smoke and burnt smell.
  2. Sticking brakeSmoke near one wheel.
  3. Debris on the exhaustLeaves or plastic.
  4. Gearbox fluid leakSharp burnt smell.
  5. Fuel leakDangerous; get away.

Questions about Smoke From Under The Car

Can I drive if the smoke stops?

Find the cause first. Leaks on hot parts can recur.

Is a little smoke after a car wash normal?

Water evaporating off a hot exhaust can look like smoke briefly.