Exhaust exits your tailpipe while your vehicle runs but you shouldn’t be able to see it. If you have excessive exhaust coming out of the tailpipe, your engine has a problem. The color of the exhaust helps identify what’s going on underneath the hood, and Mechanic One Auto Repair & European Auto Repair can also inspect your car, truck, or SUV’s engine to find the reason why it’s releasing so much smoke through the tailpipe.
It Is Serious
We hate to be the bearer of bad news but the excessive exhaust is something serious. This doesn’t mean the problem cannot be fixed. Depending on the engine damage, it might take a partial or total engine rebuild to fix your car, truck, or SUV. Whether you opt for this service depends on personal factors, such as whether you can afford to buy a new car or you don’t want to get rid of your automobile. What’s causing the excess exhaust also determines the seriousness of the problem.
White Smoke
If your vehicle is spewing massive quantities of white smoke into the air, you’ve probably blown a head gasket. White smoke means radiator fluid (engine coolant) is burning in your engine. This usually happens when the head gasket cracks. Unfortunately, this is a serious and expensive repair. Other signs of a blown head gasket include overheating and loss of engine power.
Blue Smoke
Blue smoke is usually caused by oil burning. This, too, can indicate that you might need an engine rebuild to solve the problem. Something has worn down, such as the PCV valve, and is releasing oil into your automobile’s combustion chamber or elsewhere in the engine. This can lead to engine failure if not addressed right away. Burning oil also smells pungent and acrid.
Black Smoke
Excessive black smoke could mean an engine fire so pull over, turn off the motor, and get out of the car right away. If your vehicle isn’t on fire, it is still burning excess gasoline somewhere. It’s wise to call for a tow truck rather than drive your automobile in this condition. The excess fuel can start a fire eventually, so don’t take chances. It’s just not worth the risk.
Mechanic One Auto Repair & European Auto Repair is located in Canton, MI, and we specialize in European automobiles. If your exhaust is abnormal, call us to set up an appointment for a vehicle inspection. Our number is 734-237-6953, and we’d be happy to find the source of the white, blue, or black smoke coming from your vehicle’s tailpipe.
