During my drive to and from work the last couple of days in snow storms and cold temperatures, I have noticed a large amount of smoke or steam coming from the front grill after I park the car. When I first saw it, my first thought was that my engine had overheated, so I checked the temp gauge and it was normal. There was also a faint burning smell which concerned me as well. I then went into work and did not notice a problem on my way home.

However, this morning, the same thing happened a second time, so I popped the hood and checked it out. It appears that steam is coming from the front radiator area. I am wondering if a large about of snow/slush/salt material is being forced into the radiator and this is causing the issue. My car is only a 1 1/2 weeks old so I might be a little paranoid.

Anyone else ever observe this issue?

Thanks.

 

Yeah, it's pretty normal for this car.

 

It's normal.

 

Strange, I've been driving in the snow all winter and haven't seen any steam.

 

I have only had my car a few weeks and have not experienced this myself, but there are plenty of reports on this forum from folks seeing the same thing in the rain. I think its normal.

 

I'm getting some steam but mostly after a car wash. This is the only car I've ever owned that does this.

 

After doing donuts last night in my culdesac, mine was steaming up my garage!!!

 

https://g35driver.com/forums/showthr...ighlight=steam

 

Thanks for the input. I guess this a common issue. I have not posted alot but have been reading on this site alot. I guess I missed this issue being discussed before.

 

yup it happens sometimes in the rain on hot or cold days, ive seen it happen in light snow and def saw it up here in the northeast with this mix for the past 2 days. I just cant figure out why it happens to some of us and not others if its all the same. I have a 07 g35s, dunno if its only an S thing or both. Has anyone brought it to the dealer and shown them?

 

I have an S, and it happens to me in the rain.

 

I had the same thing happen to me last weekend. I was driving in rainy/sleet conditions and when I got out of the car I had steam come out from the radiator area. Probably cause I drove it a bit hard (higher temps) and it was pretty cold outside.

 

not just an "s" issue, I've seen sometimes heavy steam on my 08 "x".

I figure the radiator gets insanely hot, but maybe there's no drainage there (or the drainage is blocked), and the collected water steams out? Don't know what causes it, but it sure freaked me out the first time - my eyes were glued to the temperature gauge.

 

Yea I get it too. As the thread linked by G35_6gearr says, I think these engines, manifolds, etc. just get hot as hell and any liquid that hits them vaporizes immediately. Nature of the beast. My experience is that if you're truly overheating, you're going to get pinging and loss of power.