Last month had oil changed in my car alone with the filters. Now when I start my car a big puff of smoke comes out any idea what I need to do
Asked by Arnettlady99 Dec 14, 2015 at 04:00 PM about the 2012 Nissan Maxima S
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
Smoke comes out of car once I start it
11 Answers
What color is the smoke? Black, white or blue?
Arnettlady99 answered 9 years ago
It's white not sure what you mean by blue but I guess it could be
Blue is oil burning. Does your car use oil? White may just be normal condensation in cold weather. If you have white smoke all the time then it could be a bad head gasket.
Arnettlady99 answered 9 years ago
OK . Well I took it to a shop to have it changed so how would I know if it's the gasket. Are they something I could look for to see or do I have to take it in to a shop
The color of the smoke is a clue but not a complete diagnosis. If you are concerned about it then take it to a shop. Without more information I can't tell you anything more.
roadsidemechanic answered 9 years ago
They might have put to thin of oil back in car 5W/20 is like water. 20W/50 is like honey. Those quick change oil places use watered down oils for maximum profit. On older vehicles it will pour out every weak gasket deal,and cause premature starter and altenator life,when the oil dripping gets slung upon them. Check owners manual ,go buy quailty oil at parts store.
roadsidemechanic answered 9 years ago
They might have put to thin of oil back in car 5W/20 is like water. 20W/50 is like honey. Those quick change oil places use watered down oils for maximum profit. On older vehicles it will pour out every weak gasket seal,and cause premature starter and altenator life,when the oil dripping gets slung upon them. Check owners manual ,go buy quailty oil at parts store.
firebird338 answered 9 years ago
Check oil level to make sure it is not low on oil.
"Watered down oil?" New cars call for 0W20 FYI.. now I know that you know nothing
Now we know why roadside is rated 0.
Arnettlady99, take a look at your oil change receipt and see what type of oil viscosity they put in. Look under your hood and see if there is a label for recommended oil viscosity (it should also be given in your owner's manual). Also let us know what kind of mileage you have on your car. No one is 'watering down oil,' but there is no guarantee you got the right viscosity oil either, and in a decent reasonable-mileage engine, that still shouldn't give you any problems with smoking.
