We discussed the signs of exhaust system trouble in a previous blog post. Let’s talk more about this because your vehicle’s exhaust can clue you into your automobile’s health. While this isn’t the only indicator of good news or bad news, excessive automobile exhaust definitely lets you know something wrong with your car, truck, S, or CUV. Integrity Auto Repair can help if your automobile suddenly begins spewing a ton of exhaust out of the tailpipe. Here’s what to look for.
How Much Exhaust You Should See
The first sign of trouble sees your vehicle’s exhaust in the first place. Engine exhaust is relatively clear, even diesel exhaust, once the vehicle is cruising right along. If your automobile begins releasing exhaust while you’re driving, something isn’t right, and in all cases, it’s best to stop driving your vehicle and have it towed to an automotive repair facility. This might seem extreme, but you’ll see why this is so important as we discuss the different colors of engine exhaust below – well, the different colors when something is wrong in the engine causing the excessive exhaust.
Okay, Let’s Talk About Exhaust Colors
You won’t see clear engine exhaust – obviously – but you will see black, blue, or white engine exhaust if any of the following is happening underneath your vehicle’s hood:
- Black: Your engine is burning fuel
- Blue: Your engine is burning oil
- White: Your engine is burning coolant
Let’s dig a little deeper into this, so you understand why we recommend you stop driving your car, truck, or SUV immediately. Talking about black engine exhaust first, as we said above, this happens when your automobile is burning fuel; not burning fuel as in using it to operate but burning fuel as in setting it on fire. This, of course, can put you in a hazardous situation very quickly.
As you read above, blue tailpipe smoke means oil instead of gas is burning. While this, too, makes driving your vehicle dangerous, it isn’t so much because the vehicle could catch on fire but more. After all, you’re damaging your engine. The same holds with white smoke, which is a sign that your engine’s head gasket has a crack in it, and if your vehicle hasn’t overheated already, it will.
Integrity Auto Repair in Eugene, OR, is here for your automotive needs, including exhaust issues. Contact us today to schedule an auto service appointment.
