You can learn a lot about the health and well-being of your car from the color of its exhaust. If it’s operating in tip-top shape, tailpipe emissions should be nearly undetectable. If exhaust smoke is visible, you likely have a real problem
White Smoke
Often happens when an engine burns coolant that has leaked into the combustion chamber. The following are the most common culprits: • Blown head gasket • Damaged cylinder head • Cracked engine block
Blue or Gray Smoke
This is an indication of the vehicle burning oil, which means that oil is somehow leaking into your engine’s combustion chamber. Culprits are: • Malfunctioning valve stem seal • Failed piston rings
Black Smoke
It doesn’t always indicate impending doom. If it continues well after the car warms up, there’s cause for concern. If that’s the case, here are the likely culprits: