Smoking Car

I wonder why it took a 2 year old (me) to point out to a grown-up (my mom) that large plumes of smoke were rising from the hood of her car?  I kept chanting, "'Moke, 'Moke, 'Moke" until she understood.  Isn't that what that "H" gauge on the instrument panel is for? C'mon, Mom.  Next question...why is my Dad rewarding her for her obliviousness with a new car?  Adults are just silly.