As you know, your vehicle releases exhaust after it has been treated by the catalytic converter. You actually never see the exhaust. Rather, you might see steam coming out of the tailpipe when the weather is cold. Journey Auto Repair advises that if you see a ton of exhaust flowing out of the tailpipe, your car, truck, or utility vehicle has a problem, even if you drive a diesel. Excess exhaust is a sign that the engine is hemorrhaging fluid; the color of the exhaust reveals the fluid.
Black
If the color of the exhaust flowing out of the tailpipe is black, the engine has a bad fuel leak. As you can imagine, this can make driving your automobile dangerous. In fact, if the fuel leak is really bad, you may also see flames or sparks coming out of the tailpipe. This is a great special effect in the movies, but it is definitely something you don’t want with your car. Leaking fuel that is being burned away by the engine can cause an engine fire.
Blue
Blue or gray exhaust isn’t much better. This is a sign that your engine has a bad oil leak. Usually, the head gasket in your automobile has cracked and oil is leaking into the cylinders. When the engine produces combustion in the cylinders, the oil burns away with the air and the fuel. This creates excess blue or gray exhaust.
White
You might also see white exhaust flowing out of the tailpipe if your engine has a bad coolant leak. The most common cause of a serious coolant leak is a cracked head gasket, just like with the burning oil. When the head gasket cracks, coolant will spray all over the engine. As the engine burns it away, it produces white exhaust. Your engine will also overheat when you drive your automobile because of the coolant leak.
Clear
Finally, as we mentioned above, you generally don’t see your exhaust. It should be clear and invisible to the naked eye, except when it’s cold outside. Your exhaust should also never smell like rotten eggs, fuel, oil, or coolant. If it does, there’s a problem that needs immediate attention. Continuing to drive your automobile with a serious fluid leak can damage the engine beyond repair, especially if the engine is overheating, as well.
Journey Auto Repair in New Hope, MN, can inspect your engine if you see excess black, blue, or white exhaust coming out of the tailpipe. Call us today for an appointment.