Much like your doctor can determine your health based on your output, our ASE-certified technicians can understand the health of your car based on the color of your exhaust smoke .

So what does the color of your exhaust smoke mean? Our Georgia auto experts answer four exhaust system questions regularly heard at our car shop in Grayson.

Should my exhaust smoke be white?

Thin, white exhaust smoke could be nothing to worry about. Often, the heat heading through the pipes will meet the condensation built up inside of your car’s exhaust system and create steam.

Thick, white exhaust smoke may indicate a problem. White exhaust smoke could indicate:

• A cold engine
• Leaking head gasket
• Cracked block
• Cracked cylinder head

Thick, white exhaust smoke could cause overheating and put your engine at serious risk of damage. If this is the case, call our Grayson auto repair shop for an inspection immediately.

What causes black and gray exhaust smoke?

Gray or black exhaust smoke typically means the engine is burning too much fuel. This could be caused by several factors, most commonly related to incomplete fuel combustion.

If your car has a gasoline engine, the reasons typically include:

• Clogged air filter
• Clogged fuel injectors
• Blocked manifold
• Worn ignition system
• Worn spark plugs or wires

If your vehicle has a diesel engine, the likely causes include:

• Malfunctioning fuel injector
• The wrong grade of fuel
• An overheating engine
• The ignition timing is off
• Lack of oil changes
• Failing turbo

A car or truck burning too much gas wastes fuel and costs you money. Schedule a visit with Christian Brothers Automotive Grayson for a solution today.

What does blue exhaust smoke mean?

If your vehicle has blue smoke coming from the exhaust, your engine is burning oil.

There are two possible reasons why engine oil is being burned:

• The valve guide seals or piston rings are worn out
• Oil will leak into the combustion chamber
• A clogged or restricted PCV system

Blue exhaust smoke requires immediate attention. If your car is releasing blue smoke, call for an appointment today.

Schedule exhaust system service with our Grayson auto shop

If you ever see exhaust smoke coming from your vehicle, it’s time to pay attention. Make sure your car is running as it should with an exhaust system inspection. Call Christian Brothers Automotive in Grayson, Georgia to schedule an appointment today.