What is My Exhaust Color Telling Me?

Posted on January 3, 2022 in Exhaust Repair

What Does the Color of My Exhaust Smoke Mean?

When a vehicle’s engine is having trouble, it might show a variety of symptoms. These can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, including noises, vibrations, and colored exhaust smoke. Excessive emissions levels in any color signal that there is a problem with the engine, which is most often caused by a liquid seeping into the engine. Luckily, you can usually tell what kind of problem is going on by looking at the color of the smoke. If your vehicle is experiencing engine issues, here’s a brief rundown of three different exhaust colors and what type of exhaust repair it might indicate for your car.

Finding a reputable exhaust repair service center can often be tricky. Fortunately, with the help of Yeoman Service Center, we strive to make the auto repair process as simple and straightforward as possible. Come see us today to see why our auto maintenance services are some of the best in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Exhaust Smoke Color Diagnosis

Exhaust smoke is an inevitable byproduct of internal combustion engines, and everything is good if the smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe is the proper color and not too apparent. What happens, though, when unexpected colors of smoke emerge from your exhaust pipe? If you notice white, thick gray, blue, or black smoke coming from your exhaust pipe, you’re probably correct to be concerned.

Here’s a look at the most common exhaust smoke colors that drivers experience and what each could indicate regarding your vehicle’s exhaust repair:

Light or Thin White Exhaust Smoke

When the exhaust from your car is light or thin white, the good news is that this is normal. Condensation typically collects in the exhaust system, which is why this type of exhaust color exists. You likely notice this on cold winter days when you first start your vehicle, as all gasoline-powered cars emit this exhaust color.

Blue/Gray Exhaust Smoke

The presence of blue/gray exhaust smoke emanating from your car is not typical. This type of exhaust color usually implies that the engine has an oil leak and is burning oil.

Oil leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn cylinder walls, leaking valve seals, and damaged piston rings. The piston rings are most likely the source of blue smoke when the vehicle accelerates. The blue smoke shows that the cylinder head valve guides are damaged if it occurs during deceleration.

If you notice blue/gray exhaust smoke coming from your car, you should schedule a service appointment with an exhaust repair specialist as soon as possible. Be sure to also inform your technician of the smoke color so they can help you with your car’s repair.

Black Exhaust Smoke

The presence of black exhaust smoke in your car is also not regarded as typical. When this happens, it usually means your vehicle is consuming too much fuel, but it could also be caused by a clogged manifold, a clogged air filter, or a defective fuel injection system. If your exhaust smoke is black, schedule a service appointment with a repair technician so they can determine what might be wrong with your vehicle.

Thick White/Gray Exhaust Smoke

A steady stream of thick white/gray-colored exhaust smoke coming from your car most likely indicates a leaky head gasket. This can easily lead to an overheated engine in the summer, so this repair should be addressed right away. Putting off repairs when your car emits a steady stream of thick white/gray exhaust smoke could lead to more expensive repairs in the future.

Professional Exhaust Repair in Fort Wayne, Indiana

If you detect a color change in your vehicle’s exhaust, don’t hesitate to contact the exhaust repair experts at Yeoman Service Center. We’re here to assist you with any repair issues you may have. Don’t put your trust in just anyone. Put your trust in the auto repair specialists at Yeoman Service Center. Make an appointment for your vehicle today by giving us a call or stopping by our service center today.