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Thick, white smoke is coming out of my older SUV’s mufflers
John Paul, AAA Northeast's Car Doctor, answers a question from a reader who has to decide whether a needed repair is worth the money.
Q. I have a 2010 Buick Enclave CXL. It was working fine until one day thick, white smoke started coming out of both mufflers. Do you know what that could be? If it is something expensive, I will likely just junk the car.
A. White smoke coming out of tail pipes is coolant being burned during combustion. It sounds as if there is an internal coolant leak. It could be one of two possibilities: a cylinder head gasket/engine block issue or a leaking intake manifold. I would have it towed to a repair shop for an evaluation. Depending on the repair, it is going to be expensive or very expensive.
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Q. I have had a Toyota RAV4 for years and it’s time for a replacement. One vehicle that I am looking at is the Hyundai Tucson. What do you think?
A. The Hyundai Tucson is a very nice, compact (although not really small) SUV. There are a couple of engine choices, front or all-wheel-drive, and a variety of trim levels and option packages. The last Tucson that I drove really impressed me. The ride was smooth and quiet, fuel economy was in the high twenties, and the infotainment system worked well (although I still prefer knobs over touch screens). I would not hesitate to buy one if it fits your needs and budget.
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Q. I am considering changing professions. I like working with my hands and especially on cars. I live in the Boston area. What do you suggest and where do I start?
A. Perhaps start with a part-time job on Saturday in a garage while you still are working full-time. If you really like the work and atmosphere, then consider professional training. Here in New England we are fortunate that there are very good choices that also are degree programs. Mass Bay Community College is the one I am most familiar with. They offer programs sponsored by four major automotive brands including BMW, Toyota/Lexus, General Motors, and JEEP/Chrysler/Dodge/Ram. In addition, Mass Bay offers a non-manufacturer-specific All Brand General Studies program, which provides students with a broad education and hands-on training on multiple types of makes and models of vehicles. Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner also has a very good automotive program. Recently, the governor announced free community college for many Massachusetts residents. This even makes these community college automotive programs more appealing. The idea of free tuition and possible paid co-op work sounds like a winning combination.
Q. I have a 2011 Grand Cherokee with a 3.6 Pentastar engine with 186,000 miles. It has been maintained by me, with oil and filter always changed earlier than recommended and always using Mobil 1 synthetic. Does it make sense for me to get ahead of repairs and put timing chain kits, lifters, rocker arms, and a water pump as well as oil filter housing in this otherwise bulletproof engine? I would do the work myself, being a retired mechanic. I love this vehicle and believe it could be driven another 100,000 miles.
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A. I certainly think synthetic oil and more frequent oil changes can certainly help minimize repairs. The rocker arms and camshaft can wear if oil isn’t changed often enough. The oil filter housing is a failure point and Dorman makes an aluminum one that is more robust than the OE plastic housing. The timing chain and related components are a bit like the rocker arms; the quality oil and oil change intervals could be extending their life. I hate replacing good parts, but since it’s getting close to 200,000 miles, you plan on keeping it, and you have the time, talent, and budget, the repairs probably make sense. You know the common failure points, so either watchful waiting or do it all. For me I would wait, look, and listen, but your idea is certainly a good one.
Q. I have been driving for nearly 65 years, have owned lots of cars, and been through a lot of maintenance issues. The other day I was surprised by a new recommendation when paying for an oil change, tire rotation, and multipoint inspection. “Your lug nuts are swollen on your 2015 Buick Lacrosse (50,220 miles). We may not be able to rotate your tires the next time.” We drove it off the lot brand new in 2014. I have never heard of this. Any thoughts?
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A. Unfortunately, this is pretty common with some vehicles. The steel nut rusts under the chrome cap. If this were my car, I would replace the two-piece lug nuts with solid lug nuts. The one-piece lug nuts are chrome plated and won’t swell up with age. When replacing the factory lug nuts, make sure they are the same size, they use the same size lug wrench, and they have the same tapered design as the factory style.
John Paul is AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor. He has over 40 years of experience in the automotive business and is an ASE-certified master technician. E-mail your Car Doctor question to [email protected]. Listen to the Car Doctor podcast at johnfpaul.podbean.com.
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