While driving car started smoking from under hood

2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
150,000 MILES • 3.8L • 6 CYL • AUTOMATIC
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CAROL WILT
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My car just started smoking from under hood. It is a white smoke and the temperature gauge went to red. I am not sure what the problem can be but a few months ago I had a radiator flush, transmission flush, a replaced a top hose on the radiator that was suggested to be replaced since it was worn. The last two days it seemed to hesitate a few times when going about forty to forty five mph. Also, neither my low oil, transmission or low coolant light came on when it started smoking.

Can anyone tell me what may be wrong? I am a woman so I am not 'mechanical savvy" so please explain in the easiest terms.
Jun 20, 2018 at 3:34 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good afternoon.

The smoke is from overheating. The engine is very hot from a loss of coolant. The smoke is a result of that leak. Hot fluid is hitting the engine somewhere and causes the smoke.

You need to have someone check the coolant level and pressure test the system to determine the leak.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test
Jun 20, 2018 at 3:43 PM
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CAROL WILT
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I appreciate your quick response Roy. The car is being towed as I did not want to do any further damage. Is this a common occurrence with cars? It came out of nowhere and with no warning I tell ya.
Jun 20, 2018 at 3:49 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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You never know when a hose or line will fail. Once it does, it is sudden.
It would be a good idea to ask them to change all the hoses as well as the thermostat.

Roy
Jun 20, 2018 at 4:21 PM