If you are seeing white smoke coming from your vehicle's exhaust pipe, then you may be concerned. White smoke is not a normal condition - so what does it mean? Your exhaust pipe is where your car's fumes are released. Even though white smoke is not regular, it does not necessarily always point to a bad issue. Below are some of the common reasons behind white exhaust smoke:
Condensation
Condensation or water vapor is the most non-threatening cause of white smoke emitting from your pipe. If you see the white smoke on a chilly day and you only just started your car, you may just be seeing condensation. The following steps would be to wait it out and see if the smoke clears.
Coolant Leak
A coolant leak is one of the most prominent causes of white smoke. If there is a coolant leak anywhere within your vehicle, you may also detect a sweet syrupy smell in your car. Low coolant can be very damaging to your vehicle's engine and its neighboring components. If you believe you are experiencing leakage, it is highly advised you take your car to an auto repair shop immediately.
Cracked Cylinder Head
A damaged cylinder head, a faulty head gasket, or a broken engine block can also result in white smoke emissions. These problems may also cause coolant to slip into the cylinders or combustion chamber, which brings about the white vapor. To minimize further damage, please take your vehicle to Robbie's At Your Service for immediate repairs.
Bad Fuel Injector
In diesel vehicles, a problematic fuel injector can prevent fuel from getting to the engine, leading to thick white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe.
While the issues listed above can be overwhelming to diagnose, the best way to get to the bottom of the problem is by coming into Robbie's At Your Service for a proper evaluation. Our expert technicians can give you a thorough explanation of what repairs are needed to resolve the issue before it worsens. If you're experiencing white exhaust smoke, don't hesitate to give us a call or stop by our shop today!