Sometimes car problems are hidden under the hood. These issues are harder to spot; it’s impossible to know where they’re coming from. That’s why problems like loud noises or weirdly colored smoke are actually a blessing in disguise. Here are the different exhaust smoke colors and what they mean. Be sure to take it to a mechanic the minute you spot signs of trouble.
Black
Diesel engines are complex because they need an air/fuel mixture to start. If that mixture isn’t perfectly balanced, trouble is on the horizon. For example, it may have too much fuel if you see black smoke coming from the exhaust. Black smoke appears when the sensor gives the car an incorrect reading of the amount of fuel needed. As a result, black smoke comes out of the exhaust and causes issues.
White
White is another potential color of exhaust smoke. White smoke comes out of the tailpipe if the coolant is leaking from the system. Coolant helps prevent a vehicle from overheating, so you never want to see white smoke coming from the exhaust—that means the engine is getting too hot. Take your car to a garage if you ever see white smoke coming from the tailpipe.
Blue
Your car is probably burning engine oil if you see blue smoke coming out of it. Piston rings help keep oil out of the combustion chamber, so when these components are worn out, oil goes where it shouldn’t. Your vehicle likely won’t drive as smoothly if you see blue smoke appear. That’s why it’s important to take it to a mechanic the minute you see this problem.
These are the different exhaust smoke colors and what they mean. Be sure to watch out for these warning signs the next time you’re behind the wheel. If you ignore different colored smoke, your automobile’s parts may need to be replaced sooner rather than later. Fortunately, not all hope is lost. ATL Diesel has excellent Navistar parts for trucks that need fixing. Our goal is to get you back on the road as soon as possible so your life isn’t disrupted.