What Does The Color of the Exhaust Smoke Indicate?

Surely you've heard the saying, having a car is like having a child. Right? I never realized how accurate that statement is until I had a vehicle of my own. You have to consistently inspect your car's health, especially if it is blowing out smoke. By paying attention to the color of the exhaust smoke and using the rest of your senses, you will be able to diagnose what the issue may be.

 

WHITE, BLUE, OR BLACK SMOKE, WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

 

WHITE SMOKE

If your exhaust is emitting white smoke it's normally water vapor, which typically happens on cold days. This is caused by condensation and naturally collects in the exhaust system. This is common in vehicles. However, this may also mean a blown head gasket or that coolant has entered into the combustion chamber. The only way to know for sure is by visiting our experts for a thorough inspection. 

 

BLUE OR GRAY SMOKE

There is reason to worry if your exhaust is releasing blue or gray exhaust smoke because there are high chances it may be an oil leak and your engine is burning oil. Numerous issues could be the cause such as leaking valve seals, damaged piston rings, or worn cylinder walls. A qualified technician would be the best to give a full diagnosis.

 

BLACK SMOKE

When the vehicle is burning too much fuel it will release a cloud of black smoke. This may mean there is a clogged air filter, faulty fuel injection system, or a blocked manifold. A clogged air filter may not negatively affect your gas consumption with modern automotive technology but will affect your vehicle's performance. It is best to visit a qualified technician for a full report.

 

If you need exhaust system repair, we invite you to bring your vehicle to Chicane Motorsport today!