I’m at a loss what to do next.

Welcome to the forum, ‘Can oops’.

There isn’t much you can do beyond monitoring the coolant level. If there is loss requiring frequent top-ups, then it’s back to the KIA dealership for further checking.

As you haven’t mentioned any loss of performance or unusual symptoms while actually driving, it is most likely just steam, common at this time of year due to the reaction between ambient moisture, hot exhaust gases and the metal exhaust system.

 

Welcome to the forum.

Really just to echo what Indalo has said: closely monitor the coolant if you suspect it is water vapour (also it is worth keeping an eye on the dipstick and under the oil filler cap). You've done the right thing by getting it logged with KIA, but if as the weather improves it continues, then that might indicate a problem.

If you are running E10 allegedly it produces greater quantities of water vapour than E5.

If it helps reassure you, in the current damp cool, weather my Proceed can run for several hours but still when I pull up at the lights I can see white plumes behind me. It's just down to a car's particular combination of exhaust through-flow, exhaust volume, exhaust temperature, cooling area etc etc.

 

I followed a Transit van yesterday..
Eco boost engine..wet belt thing..
That was very steamy..but it stunk of coolant..warped head eco boost engine problems Ford recall finally happening..
Avoid all things with a wet belt 😉

Does your exhaust steam smell of antifreeze?

If not I suspect your just seeing steam from a petrol engine..cold weather makes it seem worse..

 

20 min journey may not be enough to burn off condensation in the exhaust system.

 

Thank you all for your replies and your welcomes 😊. Car going back to garage this week so will let you know outcome. Really bad smoke today when reversing the car. I’ll keep an eye on coolant levels too.

 

Update! Car went back to dealership today and once again they found no fault. They’ve offered to take it in overnight so one of the mechanics can drive it home and back to the dealership to see if they can confirm my concerns. I’ll update once this happens next week.

 

Update! Still excessive smoke but garage still can’t find fault. I am either going to trade in or put up with it 🤦‍♀️

 

Find a friendly (cash) mot tester and get the emissions checked and then decide before it becomes a problem.

 

Can anyone advise if adding a fuel system cleaner might help make a difference?

 

You don't mention what type of drive your 20 min journey is. If just tootling around at 20 mph it probably would be still steamy.If the Garage keep it over night they will no doubt give it a good " Italian tune up." and get the exhaust nice and hot.

 

My optima with adblue takes a while to clear steam..10 miles when cold.

I suspect no fault ,and warm weather may solve the problem as it will clear very quickly

 

As there is a dispute as to wether there actually is a fault ?? you might be better taking it to a independant garage for a second opinion. They can check for headgasket problems, oil in exhaust also give you an opinion as wether the smoke is in fact steam which is normal at this time of year. This will not effect the warranty as all tests are non evasive. At least you will be able to make an informed decision wether to change the car.

 

I am also having this exact issue (white vapour plumes from the exhaust) with my Kia Stonic 1.4 petrol engine during winter, however nowadays, as the weather gets warmer, the plumes have disapeared. I guess it might be engine specific.. I've driven other petrol car-brands, but the white vapour has never been so intensive as with this car.

 

Any updates for us, Caz oops?