Smoke rising from the engine of your van signals a puzzle that needs to be addressed quickly. Keeping your engine clean of grease and grime will also help to prevent a smoking engine.
Solutions
Check your coolant level and replace as needed. Manufacturers recommend a 50/50 combination between coolant and water. Radiator hoses should be replaced if cracked or worn. You can manually test your thermostat by dangling it in a pan of water on the stove. If the problem is a malfunctioning water pump or fan belt, these parts should be replaced by a qualified mechanic.
Prevention
The best way to prevent an overheated, smoking engine is to perform regular service checks on the engine. Replace worn or brittle hoses before they crack. Keep coolant fluids topped off, especially during extreme temperatures. A smoking and overheated engine should be shut off and allowed to frosty before the produce can be decided.
