What Does Excessive Exhaust Smoke Mean?

As your car runs, it produces emissions that are very poisonous to people and the environment. The exhaust system in your car prevents these gases from getting into the passenger area and improves fuel efficiency by monitoring the makeup of your vehicle’s emissions and calculating the correct air/fuel mixture based on the readings. You can monitor your car’s exhaust for changes that indicate engine trouble!

Take note of excessive exhaust color as it may indicate the problem within your car’s engine. These are the most common colors of exhaust and what they may mean for your vehicle.

Black Exhaust

If your car is producing thick, black exhaust it often indicates the burning of excess amounts of gas. This condition is usually caused by a faulty MAF sensor, which measures the amount of incoming air and calculates the proper amount of gasoline to mix with it to create a properly running engine. If it malfunctions it can cause your vehicle to run rich. A rich-running motor is getting to much fuel and not enough air. Not only will this lower your vehicle’s fuel economy, but it can also cause other engine problems, including burnt valves, a problem that may require expensive engine repair.

Blue Exhaust

 Oil burns blue. Blue exhaust is likely the result of an oil leak that is causing oil to enter the combustion chamber and burn off. Oil consumption indicates your car is not retaining the correct amount of oil it needs for proper lubrication. The final result will be an engine that is oil starved and may seize and quit working due to excessive metal on metal friction!

White Exhaust

White clouds of smoke coming out of the rear of your car often are a result of a coolant leak inside the engine. Coolant is entering the combustion chamber and burning up. A leaking head gasket is a frequent cause of an internal coolant leak. A coolant leak puts the vehicle at risk of overheating, which could lead to major engine damage. If the engine is getting too hot the block can crack, and pistons can warp. Before that sort of damage occurs, you’ll likely experience a plethora of other engine damage requiring extensive repair.

Exhaust smoke can indicate engine trouble. If you notice excessive amounts emitting from your vehicle, do yourself a favor come to Lake City Auto Care for engine diagnostics!

Lake City Auto Care is your one-stop-shop for auto repair in Hayden, CDA, and Rathdrum, Idaho. Our trained mechanics can handle any issue with your car, from the radiator to the exhaust pipe! Give us a call or schedule an appointment today!