Seeing a puff of smoke from the exhaust pipe gives you a signal. What’s happening under the hood? Is your car in urgent need of attention? This article will explain the causes of white smoke from exhaust and provide a diagnosis and solution to the problem.
What Does White Smoke from Exhaust Mean?
When you see white exhaust smoke, it usually means something is wrong with the engine or its components. White smoke can be caused by coolant or moisture entering the combustion chamber. When you see white smoke from the exhaust, it’s the time of car exhaust repair.
The color of the smoke is a good indicator of the type of problem. White smoke in a car indicates that the fuel consumes coolant or water vapor during combustion. This is a cause for concern as it could indicate an internal engine issue.
Auto car mechanics in Perth can fix this problem. You can find local mechanics by searching “white smoke exhaust muffler shops near me” or exhaust pipe shops near me.
Why Is Your Car Exhaust Emitting White Smoke?
Water vapor and condensation can cause vehicles to emit harmless white smoke; if you notice a thick cloud of white smoke when your vehicle starts, contact a car mechanic in Perth immediately.
Understanding the possible causes of white smoke from exhaust is essential.
1. Cylinder Head Damage
An extended period of use or an accident can compromise a cylinder head. This can lead to a weak seal between the engine block and the cylinder head, allowing coolant into the combustion chamber. White smoke will then be produced from the exhaust.
It’s essential to have a professional inspect your vehicle from a reliable exhaust repair shop to determine the cause of persistent white smoke coming from your exhaust.
2. Head Gasket Failure
This seal prevents coolant from entering the combustion chamber by plugging the gap between the engine block and the cylinder head. A damaged or blown gasket can compromise this seal, leading to white smoke from the exhaust when coolant interacts during combustion.
It is best to leave the replacement of a blown gasket to professionals. A mechanic must disassemble the engine to access and replace the head. Gasket failure is prevented by regular maintenance, checking coolant levels, and quickly addressing overheating problems.
3. Coolant Reservoir Damage
The coolant reservoir tank also causes coolant leakage, oil contamination, and coolant tank damage. Oil contamination is unlikely to occur if the reservoir tank is damaged. The tank is only damaged by external seepage of oil from the reservoir.
Damage to the reservoir can lead to an overheating car. You can use a compressor or leak-down tester to detect coolant leakage.
4. Bad O2 Sensor
If you see white smoke coming out of the exhaust system, this means that antifreeze vapor has contaminated at least one oxygen sensor. These sensors are found in all fuel-injected vehicles. They are attached to bungs that have been welded on the exhaust system. The catalytic converter also has additional oxygen sensors to monitor the catalyst’s efficiency. When the oxygen sensors become contaminated with vaporized coolant, they stop working as intended, and a fault will be recorded. When white smoke coming from the exhaust, check engine light will usually appear soon after. This is because a non-functioning or slow O2 sensor can cause this.
After replacing the head gasket, placing the oxygen sensor on the affected cylinder bank will restore the engine’s proper function.
Also Read: What Are The Signs Of Bad Oxygen Sensors?
5. Broken Cylinder Head
White smoke from the engine can indicate a coolant leak. The car coolant is exposed to extreme temperatures and pressures caused by the combustion engine. The leakage also contaminates engine oil, resulting in a sweet white smoke.
Dipsticks can be used to identify the damage. Dip your dipstick into the engine oil to observe the oil. If your oil is foamy and not dark brown, you could have a broken cylinder head seal or gasket. You can see the foam on your radiator cap.
6. Oil Leakage
The oil seeps out from the piston rings and valve seals when the gasket blows out. It then enters the combustion chamber, which mixes with the fuel and is expelled from the exhaust. This smoke usually has a bluish, grayish color. This problem should be addressed immediately as it could cause severe damage to other parts. In extreme situations, replacing your gasket may be the best solution. Check out these auto parts and accessories for sale if you need to replace damaged parts.
Also Read: 7 Reasons Why Your Car is Leaking Oil
7. Error on Engine Control Unit
Fuel injectors can malfunction due to a faulty car computer or engine control unit. This results in thin, white smoke from the exhaust. This is not the fault of the fuel injector but instead of a malfunctioning engine control unit.
If it doesn’t work, try unplugging the battery. This will automatically restart the system and reprogram it. You might need to consult an auto care shop in Perth if it does not work.
8. Low Coolant Level
A head gasket or cylinder failure is usually the cause of white smoke coming from your tailpipe. If you fix both parts and still see smoke, it could be a leak somewhere else. Coolant can leak from damaged or corroded hoses or valves. A failing radiator or heater box may also cause it. When it trickles into the combustion chamber and burns along with fuel, this coolant produces white smoke.
Conclusion
You should not ignore the white smoke that comes from your exhaust. It is essential to identify the cause of the problem to determine the best course. Treating these problems quickly will help prevent further damage and prolong your vehicle’s life.
Regular maintenance, monitoring, and professional assistance are essential to keep your engine running smoothly and reduce the risk of white smoke. Call the best car service in Perth to diagnose and fix the problem if you see white smoke from your exhaust.
Also Read: What are the Major signs Of An Car Exhaust Leak?
