Smoke/steam in front of windscreen

Paulinchen · Jan 15, 2017

After short 3 mile drive this morning as I got home I noticed what seemed like volumes of smoke/ steam rising from bonnet in front of windscreen.

Engine temperatures was totally normal. There seemed a slight burning smell too.

My husband said it sounds like radiator is gone but he is not around to check. I wonder what it could be.

I have never seen anything like this. Almost like steam engine.

For new car with a 66 registration I am surprised.

Jabberwocky · Jan 15, 2017

Ice melting and then water dripping on hot exhaust system, or even on hot radiator?

WelshGas · Jan 15, 2017

Paulinchen said:
After short 3 mile drive this morning as I got home I noticed what seemed like volumes of smoke/ steam rising from bonnet in front of windscreen.

Engine temperatures was totally normal. There seemed a slight burning smell too.

My husband said it sounds like radiator is gone but he is not around to check. I wonder what it could be.

I have never seen anything like this. Almost like steam engine.

For new car with a 66 registration I am surprised.

I'm not too sure why you should be surprised. That is the reason there is a 3 year warranty.
1. Was the outside temperature less than 5c? If so the smoke/steam could be the exhaust from the Diesel engine heater which automatically operates below 5c.

2. It could be a loose radiator hose or cap.

Either way, phone VW Assistance before you drive it again.

Paulinchen · Jan 15, 2017

Thanks Welsh Gas,

I am aware of the warranty. Before I called them I wanted to check if it could be something specific to the cali.
I have not seen this with any other car.
P

WelshGas · Jan 15, 2017

Paulinchen said:
Thanks Welsh Gas,

I am aware of the warranty. Before I called them I wanted to check if it could be something specific to the cali.
I have not seen this with any other car.
P

No, nothing special. If it is the normal function of the Diesel heater, then that is available on other Diesel vehicles.