What causes engine to smoke white smoke?

White smoke from an engine usually indicates that coolant is entering the combustion chamber, which can occur due to a blown head gasket, a cracked engine block, or a damaged cylinder head. This mixture of coolant and fuel produces the characteristic white smoke as it burns. Additionally, white smoke can also result from condensation in the exhaust system during cold starts, which typically dissipates as the engine warms up. If the smoke persists or is accompanied by other issues, further investigation is necessary.