# Car smokes **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [August 20, 2011, 6:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-smokes/67279 "2011-08-20T18:40:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jahblessings](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Jahblessings](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jahblessings)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2011, 6:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-smokes/67279/1 "2011-08-20T18:40:01Z")
I have a 2002 Toyota camry that smokes on cold starts. No oil is being consumed because I check frequently. What could be causing this white smoke which lasts about 10-15 seconds? ---
**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2011, 7:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-smokes/67279/2 "2011-08-20T19:15:18Z")
Is any coolant being lost? White smoke is steam, or water vapor. A small amount of water vapor is normal as water that previously condensed within the exhaust system is heated and sent out the tail pipe. Excessive amounts of water vapor, along with a loss of coolant, indicate a possible head gasket problem. If you’re not losing any coolant it’s probably just condensation. ---
**Author:** ![bloody\_knuckles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee7513/32.png) [@bloody\_knuckles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bloody_knuckles)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2011, 10:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-smokes/67279/3 "2011-08-20T22:44:51Z")
You should tell your Camry that smoking is unhealthy and causes cancer. A good stern “talking to” should set it straight. Oh wait. I’m confusing cars and kids again. Darn!!!