Few things are as alarming as driving along and suddenly seeing smoke billowing from under your vehicle’s hood. While it’s a stressful situation, staying calm and acting quickly can help prevent serious damage to your engine—and keep you safe on the road.
Stay Calm and Pull Over Safely
As soon as you notice smoke, safely reduce speed and pull over to the side of the road. Switch on your hazard lights so other motorists are aware of your situation. Turn off the engine immediately to stop further damage.
Never open the hood right away—if there’s a fire or hot steam, opening the bonnet can put you in danger. Wait a few minutes before carefully checking.
What Could Be Causing the Smoke?
Several issues could be behind smoke under the hood:
- Overheating Cooling System – A coolant leak, broken radiator fan, or low coolant levels can cause overheating and white steam.
- Oil Leak – Oil dripping onto a hot engine or exhaust system may produce blue or greyish smoke.
- Electrical Issues – Burning wiring insulation may give off a sharp, acrid smell with smoke.
- Engine Damage – Internal failures like a blown head gasket can also create smoke and steam.
Each of these problems can escalate quickly if ignored, leading to costly repairs or even permanent engine damage.
Why Bring Your Vehicle to RSM Motor Centre?
At RSM Motor Centre, our expert mechanics are trained to diagnose and repair the exact cause of smoke from your engine bay—whether it’s a minor coolant leak or a major engine repair. With over two decades of trusted service in Parow, Cape Town, we pride ourselves on honesty, clear communication, and getting our customers safely back on the road.
By bringing your vehicle to us immediately after such an incident, you can:
- Prevent further damage and higher repair costs
- Ensure your engine runs efficiently and reliably
- Drive with peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in expert hands
At RSM Motor Centre, our expert team is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and decades of experience. Whether it’s a cooling system failure, oil leak, or electrical fault, we’ll identify the problem quickly and repair it properly. Our honest approach means we’ll keep you informed every step of the way and work to save you money wherever possible.
Remember
If smoke appears from your vehicle’s hood, it’s not just a car problem—it’s a safety risk. Don’t take chances. Contact RSM Motor Centre, Parow today and let us keep your vehicle safe, reliable, and road-ready.
14B Duminy Street, Parow | 021 930 9920 | rsmmotorcentre.co.za