Hi both - thanks for your help; really appreciate it.
1) Will wait for a dry day to do the coolant test you reference. Is the logic if the smoke gets worse; then its likely a coolant leak?
2) On the wheel - it steers true, a little pull to the left but nothing I'd view as abnormal and no vibration or friction when steering. I'm thinking it's likely tire wear too given the mileage; did the 20p test though and seems they've got a bit of life in them yet but will get get them checked out.
I'll come back as I get the testing done - cheers again