On the way home from a day out and only a few hundred yards from home today, I noticed a small hatch back by the side of the road with smoke spewing out of the bonnet. The lady driver as looking somewhat worried so I pulled over.
I checked for flames, none as far as I could tell, bonnet wasn't unduly warm, so I decided there was no fire. I asked if she was happy for me to open the bonnet and did so, making sure she was clear and keeping clear myself.
There was engine oil all over what seemed to be the exhaust manifold (or at least its cover). My best guess was the head gasket had gone- allowing oil to leak out.
While I didn't note the age of the car, it didn't look that old- certainly under 10 years.
I've not heard of a head gasket going like this in many a year.
Is is something that happens in modern engines?
(She was calling the RAC as I left, I made sure she was OK etc. and the car wasn't going to ignite- at least as far as I could. )