Smoke coming out of your vehicle's exhaust is always a sign of trouble. Steam or condensation on a cold morning is totally normal, but if you notice a cloud of smoke from the exhaust - there's an issue. Smoke from the exhaust can be caused by a number of different things, and sometimes the color of the smoke is a good indicator. Here are some of the most common smoke colors and what they indicate:
Blue
Blue smoke is an indication that the engine is burning oil. This is typically caused by some sort of damage to vital engine components, such as cylinders or piston rings. This can actually contaminate the catalytic converter and cause low engine oil or low oil pressure.
White
White smoke usually signifies that the engine is buring coolant or transmission fluid. Either scenario is very bad for the engine and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Black
Some black smoke from an older model diesel engine vehicle is normal when accelerating, but newer vehicles should not have this. It is usually a rich fuel issue, which can be caused by fuel injectors or too much fuel pressure.
If you notice any color of smoke coming from your vehicle's exhaust, get your vehicle into Quality Tune-Up and Auto Care for an inspection. We will determine the culprit of the smoke and get you on your way in no time.