Recently (since temperatures dropped below 0) I noticed some smoke or steam or some sort of fume coming out from around the left headlight and the left side of the bonnet and grill after a reasonably long drive (at least 30 minutes). I noticed this as soon as I stop or park the car and obviously only during the dark or under strong sunbeams.

 

Last time I opened the bonnet and with my cell's flash I tried to find the source but I can't tell.... All I can tell is that it smells a little like burnt rubber and that the entire area beneath the headlight is a little foggy compared to the right side. I checked the fuse box too but it's not coming from there. Also, I can't feel any smell inside the cabin as I drive.

 

What could it be and what else can I check? 

Sounds odd. The back of the headlight cover that seals the bulbs is rubber. Have you removed and checked that. If the globe was overheating or the rubber has somehow been pressed hard up against bulbs I suppose it could burn.

 

Suggest you remove the headlight assembly and inspect.

I forgot to mention. It has factory fitted xenon headlights so the rubber seal only covers the high beam which I have not used at all during my trips.

 

I will look at the assembly next time though.

Edited 18 January, 20179 yr by Inex

I forgot to mention. It has factory fitted xenon headlights so the rubber seal only covers the high beam which I have not used at all during my trips.

 

I will look at the assembly next time though.

Arr I see, I'm not too familiar with xenons.  Sounds like it may be a failing unit if there is smoke and fogged up / smoked lense but someone with some experience of xenons will hopefully provide more insight.

I may have been a little unclear, sorry. There is no smoke inside the headlight. The lights shine perfectly well and they are leveled correctly. I meant the empty space behind the headlight assembly and underneath/behind the bumper and the fender is foggy.

I may have been a little unclear, sorry. There is no smoke inside the headlight. The lights shine perfectly well and they are leveled correctly. I meant the empty space behind the headlight assembly and underneath/behind the bumper and the fender is foggy.

Anywhere near the aux drive belt for alternator / air con compressor?  Could be rubbing on something or a pulley seized.

The aux belt is on the right side of the car and fortunately there was no sign of any fumes coming out of that side. 

The aux belt is on the right side of the car and fortunately there was no sign of any fumes coming out of that side. 

Yes, ok,  it is the case sometimes, less experienced posters, can confuse descriptions of left side, right side as it depends what way you look at the car!  I'm out of ideas, so see what someone else comes up with!!

Yes, ok,  it is the case sometimes, less experienced posters, can confuse descriptions of left side, right side as it depends what way you look at the car!  I'm out of ideas, so see what someone else comes up with!!

Don't worry about it - thanks for your input ;)

Small leak from the bottom of the radiator , the coolant can smell strange/rubbery and turns into smelly steam.

Small leak from the bottom of the radiator , the coolant can smell strange/rubbery and turns into smelly steam.

I should be able to notice a drop in coolant level if it's the case - right?

It will be some sort of fluid leak that becomes apparent when it's nice and hot. Coolant or oil!