All vehicle owners and drivers should always be aware of their vehicles condition at all times. Vehicles can develop problems over time and often the vehicle will give some warning signs. One common warning sign that often goes unnoticed is the color of the vehicle’s exhaust. Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic will share what the different color exhaust means and how your vehicle may require maintenance or more.
What a Blue Colored Exhaust Typically Means
When a vehicle exhaust gives off a bluish color, this coloration often indicates an oil leak. When oil leaks into the combustion chamber, it mixes with the fuel and together it creates the bluish colored smoke. There a can be a few different causes for the oil leak. One could be due to a faulty modification of the power output. This can cause stress and damage the piston rings which result in oil leaks. Another culprit could be a worn cylinder wall and or valve seals. If the blue smoke or exhaust occurs during acceleration this is due to damaged piston rings. If the blue smoke occurs during deceleration this is often due to a damaged valve seal or cylinder wall.
Grey Smoke from Exhaust on Startup
Thick gray smoke coming out of the exhaust is a very bad sign, especially while driving. The presence of thick gray smoke or exhaust can indicate internal leaks from a head gasket, a cracked cylinder head, or a damaged engine block. All scenarios are bad and can lead to total engine failure. Depending on the cause of the gray smoke, repairs can vary. However, it is strongly recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a quality mechanical service right away.
Black Smoke from Exhaust when Accelerating
One of the most common exhaust colors is black. Black exhaust isn’t good but often not terrible either. When there is black exhaust coming from your vehicle, first check the air filter. A clogged air filter can result in black smoke. However, black exhaust can also be due to a blocked manifold or the fuel injection system isn’t working correctly. Black exhaust is a clear indicator that your vehicle needs maintenance and will have poorer performance. Be sure to have the vehicle checked and serviced soon.
White Smoke from Exhaust when Starting Car
When there is white exhaust coming from the tailpipe, in most cases there isn’t anything wrong. White exhaust is more common in the winter and is simply vapor from the heat of the internal combustion. Once the vehicle is fully warmed up the white exhaust should stop. In the event white exhaust continues, there could be a potential problem. Simply have the vehicle inspected and or serviced to determine the cause of the white exhaust.
Check Engine Light & Diagnostics, Car Tune Ups & More in Dallas, Texas (Just Minutes Away from Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mesquite, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale & Wylie, TX)
As the color of your vehicle’s exhaust can help tell you about the condition of your vehicle most of these problems can be avoided with proper maintenance. For basic maintenance, body painting, body repair and more, contact Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic and schedule an appointment for your vehicle today.
