Was driving to work this morning

[karmgirl]

and car was going along alright for about 5 mins then it felt like I was driving with the handbrake on a car was slowing down in 5th gear so changed to 4th but still didn't feel like it was accelerating properly, then I looked in the wing mirror and could see loads of smoke coming out of exhaust so turned off main road and into village where my dad lives and got him to look at it, he said it was misfiring a bit and could be a bit damp, the engine warning light is on now.

What could be wrong with it? Luckily I had a service booked for Fri but its 50 miles away hope I get there

[SlackAlice]

A bit more info on the car might help.
Type, year, mileage etc

[karmgirl]

Perodua Kelisa ex
2005
13,000 miles

[jackthehat]

Your head-gasket may have blown.
Check your oil and if there appears to be water on the dipstick then you'll be needing a replacement head-gasket.

[karmgirl]

2004 sorry - oh right hope not head gasket they are expensive aren't they

[Sgt.Rock]

Thought there would be steam coming from the engine if it was the head gasket?
And yes, you are porobably talking several hundred quid if it is that.

[karmgirl]

oh no it better not be that then

[SeaJayPea]

Are you in the AA or RAC or whatever? If you are, it might be an idea to get them to look at it. You might make a bad problem a whole lot worse driving it 50 miles.

[karmgirl]

thats a good idea, yes I am with the RAC

[echokilo]

Then provided you have "At Home" cover you should give then a call ... they can at least assess the problem and may be able to suggest an approved local repairer who will give you a reasonable quote.... if you don't have "At Home" you coud upgrade your membership as they still may well be cheaper than going to the garage without knowing whats what ... some mechanics have a tendancy to over exaggerate x

[karmgirl]

It's a quill from one of the cylinders thats gone wrong. Or a coil but it sounded like quill.