Was stuck in a traffic jam this morning, on a steep hill, where the traffic was crawling along very slowly. I am sure I saw steam coming from the end of my bonnet!

However, I have checked the coolant levels which seem fine, and also the heater was still working okay, plus the temp gauge showed no change.

(When the radiator broke in my old Celica, the first sign was that the heater inside blew only cold air, before the temp gauge went through the roof).

I've also looked at the radiator through the front of the car with a torch, and can see where a stone has hit, but not penetrated the metal grill thing.

Any other checks I can do, or places to look at? I left the car ticking over for a good 5 mins on my drive, and the fan came on twice, but no sign of steam.

Any ideas? (It's a MY97 UK Turbo btw)

 

Did you wash your car recently? The reason I'm asking is I used to get the odd puff of steam escaping from the bonnet usually just after I had washed my car and assumed it was trapped water evaporating from the engine as it heated up.

 

Possible, though not from washing... could have been from the rain in the night perhaps? I'll have to keep an eye on it... Thanks.