My car smokes under the hood. Usually when the engine is hot. What should I do?

Buy a new car

You should learn how to check your oil level yourself. From what you say, the motor should be running hot, if it is still running at all. There should be a light or gauge on the dash that says the engine is too hot. If someone added oil and a little leaked onto the engine block, it would smoke a little and smell. There should be a stick coming out of the engine block with a curved handle, marked "oil." After the engine has been off a while, so the oil runs back down into the oil pan at the bottom of the engine, pull it out, wipe it off with a rag or paper towel, put it back in gently, all the way, then pull it back out and look at the bottom end. There will be marks showing where the oil is too low and where it should be when properly filled. There should be oil clinging to the stick, and it should be between the two marks. If there is NO oil sticking to it, do not run the engine without putting at least a quart in and checking to see if the level has gone up. Repeat as needed. It's better to leave the stick out while putting oil in, so it doesn't splash up the stick and give you a false reading. There will be a big bakelite or metal knob that you turn to access the motor for pouring oil in it. If it needs oil, put some in. If it has been overfilled, which is what it sounds like, unless it has been way overfilled, just drive around, it will burn off eventually. Coolant, usually a combination of antifreeze and water, goes into a large plastic container hanging from just behind the grill, on the right or left, It is marked "coolant" usually. The windshield fluid is behind the engine, near the windshield wipers. Don't get them mixed up. There will be a line on the contained that shows where the level should be when the engine is hot, and when it is cold. If the fluid is below where it is supposed to be, add water and antifreeze (the ratio depends on where you live and how cold it gets). You can buy a cheap tester that looks like a small baster, or a plastic squeezable ball attached to a short hose with small colored balls in it. It will tell you what the lowest temperature your coolant mixture is mixed for.

Sounds like a valve cover leak, or it could simply be the "yellowish" fluid that is coming from the power steering that is burning off when it hits your engine.

Remember you may not see the fluid hit the engine, but when you are in motion, the fluid may actually "splash" on to the engine.

If the smoke is coming from the same side as where your power steering fluid is leaking, I check that first.

If it's coming from the opposite side, I'd check the valve cover for an oil leak. If the valve cover is not buried underneath a bunch of hoses it should be a relatively simple job to fix. (Under $100)

From your description, sounds like burning oil/steering fluid. I picture a dirty engine compartment - clean it! Then you may be able to see where the oil is leaking from, such as valve gaskets, radiator overflow, etc. which likely drips onto the hot exhaust manifold & burning off. Also look for a rubber hose or electrical wire pressing on a hot spot.You should be concerned 'cause it could lead to a fire (where's there smoke, there's fire).

Cost? May be minor compared to an engine fire.

You have a cracked master cylinder. This is the component that regulates pressure exerted upon the brakes when you apply the brake pedal. The fluid is brake fluid, which is actually like hydrolic fluid. If you lose too much your brakes will fail. The smoke is not an issue, it's just burning off on a hot cylinder block. Your real problem is the cylinder. You should stop driving the car ASAP and get it into the shop. This is serious.

Think about this: when you turn your wheel all the way to the left you see fluid spilling out.

Don't let that continue - maybe that's what you smell burning, fix the leak.

If it smokes after that, clean your engine with a de-greaser so you can spot where the oil is coming out.

You have a serious oil or power steering fluid leak and given time you will have a fire as a result. Please take this car in for repairs immediately, or stop driving it.

you need to find the source of your leak could be a power steering hose or oil leaking from under the gaskets

Just don't get pulled over with white smoke coming out. You will get a ticket! Take it to a mechanic.

It probably overheated. Throw some water on it to cool it down. And i dont know whats wrong with it but good lucc!

I think you should give your engine a good washing, then check all of your hoses and fluids.