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OUR BLOG

6/10/2023
Colored smoke coming out of a vehicle's exhaust can be a sign of a severe problem. In this guide, Select Synthetics in Geraldton details car exhaust smoke color warnings and what they all mean. Read on and take note!

If you want your car's engine to run smoothly and last longer, it's important to give it the right kind of care. One of the best ways to do this is by getting a synthetic oil change. Call Select Synthetics in Geraldton at (807) 853-0807, or browse the AMSOIL website before ordering.

The color of the smoke can indicate the type of problem occurring within the engine, but not many drivers know these signs. In this post, we will explore the shades of smoke that can come from a vehicle's exhaust and what they denote.

White Smoke

White smoke is typically one of the most common car exhaust smoke color warnings. In short, this is a sign that coolant is burning within the engine. A cracked engine block, blown head gasket, or damaged cylinder head can cause this. When coolant leaks into the combustion chamber, it gets burned along with the fuel, creating white smoke. If you notice white smoke coming out of your exhaust, you must have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. Continued driving can lead to more serious engine damage and costly repairs.

Blue Smoke

Blue smoke is a sign that oil is burning within the engine. Worn piston rings, damaged valve seals, or a harmed cylinder wall can generate this. When oil leaks into the combustion chamber, it consumes along with the fuel, creating blue smoke. This can be a common problem as it indicates that oil leaks into the engine and doesn't lubricate the internal components as it should. Over time, this can cause increased engine wear and damage, leading to costly repairs.

Black Smoke

Black smoke indicates that too much fuel is being burned within the engine. Many factors can induce this, including a clogged air filter, a malfunctioning fuel injector, or a faulty oxygen sensor. When too much fuel is burned, it can create black smoke, typically accompanied by a strong gasoline smell. So, if you keep driving with black smoke escaping from the exhaust, the strain can decrease fuel efficiency and increase engine wear.

Gray Smoke

The grayish haze is our last car exhaust smoke color warning that made it to this list. This shade can be a sign of a few different issues within the engine. It can state that the machine is burning oil and fuel, which can be caused by worn piston rings or valve seals. It can also suggest that the engine is burning coolant along with fuel, which a blown head gasket or damaged cylinder head can produce. Gray smoke can imply that there is a problem with the turbocharger or intercooler. Don't forget that these components can cause oil to burn along with fuel. In addition to the color of the smoke, it is important to pay attention to any other symptoms that may be occurring within the engine. For example, if you notice a loss of power or a rough idle, this can indicate a more serious problem that requires immediate attention. So, always prioritize having your vehicle checked as soon as possible to identify the underlying issue.

Are you tired of constantly worrying about your car's engine health and performance? Prevent these engine inconveniences with the help of Select Synthetics in Geraldton! stop by the AMSOIL online store or dial (807) 853-0807 to get ready to switch to synthetic oil formulas.

If you notice colored smoke coming out of your exhaust, here are some steps you can take:

Stop Driving

If you notice white or black smoke coming out of your exhaust, stop driving immediately. Otherwise, you'll put the car under unnecessary stress; which can lead to more serious engine damage and costly repairs.

Check Fluid Levels

Check the levels of your coolant and oil to ensure that they are at the appropriate levels. If either of these levels is low, it can indicate a leak within the engine.

Inspect the Air Filter

Check the air filter to ensure that it is clean and free from debris. A clogged air filter can cause black smoke to come out of the exhaust.

Have Your Vehicle Inspected

If you notice colored smoke coming out of your exhaust, have your vehicle checked and serviced by a qualified mechanic. They can diagnose the underlying issue and recommend the appropriate repairs.

Do you want to extend the life of your vehicle and save money on costly repairs in the long run? Try using AMSOIL's Signature Series 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil. You're one call away from optimizing your car! Contact the experts at Select Synthetics in Geraldton at (807) 853-0807 or visit the AMSOIL web page to treat your car to a synthetic oil change.