Blue or black smoke coming from your car is a clear sign that your engine is malfunctioning. If you don't get it checked by a car servicing professional as soon as possible, you run the risk of your entire engine breaking down, which will set you back several thousands of dollars in repair work. This guide gives you insights into the causes of blue or black smoke coming from your vehicle, so that you're better prepared to get car repairs.

Worn Out Valve Guide Seals Or Piston Rings

When the valve guide seals or piston rings are worn out, then it implies that oil is leaking into the combustion chamber where it gets burned with the fuel.  This combustion causes a blue smoke because of mixed oil and fuel combustion. When oil levels drop rapidly, then you should be wary because this is an indication of a probable oil leak. Worn out stem seals also cause oily blue smoke.

Damaged Turbocharger

Another cause of blue smoke coming out from your exhaust is a damaged turbocharger. Over time, the bearings and the seals of the turbocharger wear out, crack or break. This causes blue smoke thanks to oil leaking into the exhaust system and burning. Apart from blue smoke, a damaged turbocharger will also lower your accelerating power.

Faulty Fuel Injector And Clogged Air filter

Faulty fuel injectors and clogged air filters are common reasons for black smoke emanating from your exhaust. A faulty fuel injector means that the fuel is not properly atomised. This will result in excess fuel going in the combustion part of the engine. The combustion chamber also needs air to mix with fuel for powering a car. But a clogged air filter restricts the amount of air that enters the engine, which causes a complex mixture. This mixture ultimately leads to black smoke. These issues can be individual or combined, so you will need to get it checked at a car servicing mechanic immediately to prevent the occurrence of black smoke.

Contaminated Engine Oil

Engine oil that is contaminated with fuel will cause black smoke to flow out of your car's exhaust. Even if the engine oil levels are low, the probability of black smoke being released from the tailpipe is high. Contaminated oil will normally have a brownish colour. This can be difficult for you to decipher on your own, but if you notice black smoke, then consider the possibility that your engine oil is contaminated before heading to a mechanic.

Vehicles typically emit blue or black smoke because of an engine problem or excessive wear. A qualified car servicing mechanic is best equipped to address these issues to prevent further and more expensive damage to your car.

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