What Various Exhaust Smoke Colours Say About The Engine’s Health

We all know a healthy engine emits steam. Due to this, we shouldn’t sometimes confuse smokey exhaust to a steaming exhaust. That’s why it’s very important to know the various types of exhaust emission and the nature of it’s colour in order to measure the health-state of the car’s engine. We will be looking at various exhaust smokes to understand what it tells us about the engine’s health.

Light or thin white smoke

Steaming Exhaust

Light or thin white exhaust smoke is typically water vapor or steam. You’ll notice it the first time you start your car, especially if it’s a cold day. This happens because condensation naturally collects in the exhaust system. Light or thin white exhaust smoke is common in vehicles. And shows a healthy engine.

Blue or gray exhaust smoke

Blue or gray exhaust smoke

Blue/Gray exhaust smoke means there’s likely an oil leak and your engine is burning oil. The leak could be caused by several issues like leaking valve seals, damaged piston rings, or worn cylinder walls. Blue smoke during acceleration means your vehicle’s piston rings may be damaged. During deceleration, however, blue smoke means the cylinder heads’ valve guides are damaged. Either way, something is damaged that shouldn’t be.

Black exhaust smoke

Black exhaust smoke

Black exhaust smoke can appear when the vehicle is burning too much fuel. This could be caused by a clogged or blocked air filter, malfunctioning fuel injection system, a blocked manifold, or a variety of other issues. A clogged air filter won’t hurt your fuel mileage thanks to today’s automotive technology, but you’ll pay for it with poor performance.

Milky white/gray exhaust smoke

Milky white/gray exhaust smoke

A steady stream of thick white/gray exhaust smoke coming from your tailpipe could mean there’s a leaking head gasket. In this case, due to the bad gasket the leaking coolant would end up being heated in the combustion chambers and blown out the exhaust as the engine starts. A coolant leakage could easily lead to an overheated engine, and an overheated engine could leave you stranded on the side of the road. So identify this early sign.

If you are not sure about the nature of smoke coming out from your exhaust, you may need the help of a specialist to make sense of it. We have technicians available to look into the issue and fix your car right. Visit HERE fill out an appointment form and you will be contacted within 24 hours.

About Nonso Okafor

I've worked as a technical support representative in major auto centers in Nigeria for more than twenty years. I have dealt with a variety of problems in my capacity as a customer service representative and auto diagnostics expert. I'm committed to assisting people in properly maintaining their automobiles and in appreciating this magnificent innovation known as an automobile.

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