The exhaust system’s components work together in order to ensure any harmful gases the engine produces are being emitted safely from the vehicle. The exhaust can, however, cause more concern than any other system regularly. Your auto care professionals will better understand your vehicle’s issues when they know the color of the smoke coming out of the exhaust.
What Causes Black Exhaust Smoke?
It’s important to have your vehicle inspected as soon as you notice black smoke coming from your exhaust system. Black smoke indicates that there is excessive fuel burning.
Not only does this impact your car’s mileage, but it can also be a very expensive problem to fix. Here are a few reasons why you may be seeing black exhaust smoke:
- Clogged fuel injectors.
- Clogged air filter.
- Clogged fuel return line.
- Damaged fuel-pressure regulator.
What If The Exhaust Smoke Is White?
Typically, thin white exhaust smoke is not a cause for concern. Depending on the temperature outdoors, condensation can build up inside the car’s exhaust system. The heat headed through the pipes will then create steam.
However, if you notice a thick, white smoke, this is a problem. Oftentimes, the thicker smoke is caused by a damaged cylinder, blown head gasket, or cracked engine block, which causes the coolant to burn.
Thick, white smoke is generally an indication of a coolant leak. This can cause overheating and ultimately put your engine at risk of serious damage. If this is the case, do not hesitate to contact your local auto care professionals at Heath’s Auto Service in Scottsdale, AZ.
Why Is The Exhaust Smoke Gray?
Gray exhaust smoke can be hard to directly diagnose. There are several reasons why your vehicle may be emitting gray smoke, including:
- A stuck PCV valve.
- Excessive oil consumption.
- Automatic transmission fluid issues.
- Bad turbocharger.
- Faulty transmission vacuum modulator.
What Does Blue Exhaust Smoke Mean?
One reason why the vehicle may be emitting blue smoke could be that the engine is burning oil. If the valve guide’s seals or piston rings wear out, the oil can leak into the combustion chamber, eventually turning the color blue.
When blue smoke is coming from the exhaust system, it’s time to check your oil and continue monitoring the car’s regular oil consumption. This problem can be quite expensive to repair if the damage is extensive. However, a small leak can be handled with ease by managing the oil and topping it off regularly.
If the vehicle happens to be turbocharged and producing blue smoke, it could mean that the blower must be rebuilt or replaced. Either way, whenever blue smoke is coming from your exhaust system, you need to take immediate action.
Heath’s Auto Service In Scottsdale, AZ
At Heath’s Auto Service, we offer a comprehensive range of services and repairs to meet all your automotive needs. From routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations to more complex repairs involving brake systems, engine diagnostics, and transmission issues, our highly skilled technicians are equipped with the latest tools and technology to ensure your vehicle is serviced to the highest standards. Contact our team today!
