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When troubleshooting an issue with your vehicle, color plays an important role. Whether it's the shade of the brake fluid or color of the exhaust smoke, knowing the difference can save you time and money on costly issues, such as transmission repair. Use the guide below to help you learn the difference.

A Guide to Exhaust Colors

1. Blue

Blue exhaust smoke is typically an indication that your engine is burning oil from an oil leak. Engine oil leaks can be caused by anything from worn cylinder walls to a leaking valve seal or damaged piston ring.

If blue smoke appears during acceleration, the problem is likely with your piston rings. If it's happening during deceleration, you may have a damaged cylinder head valve guide. In either instance, your vehicle should be seen by a professional to help properly diagnose the issue.

2. Black 

transmission repairBlack-colored exhaust occurs when your vehicle is burning too much fuel. This can be caused by a blocked manifold, a clogged air filter, or a malfunctioning fuel injection system. Burning excessive amounts of oil can not only hurt your fuel economy, but it can also affect the performance and efficiency of your vehicle. 

3. Gray

Gray exhaust smoke is difficult to diagnose and can be attributed to a variety of issues with varying degrees of severity, depending on the shade. While light gray exhaust caused by water vapor is typically harmless, darker shades can indicate that your vehicle is burning transmission fluid.

Troubleshoot this issue by checking the transmission fluid. If the liquid is dark or smells burnt, you may need to change the fluid. If the fluid is clean, or if changing it doesn't fix the issue, consider contacting a mechanic to assess whether your vehicle needs a transmission repair.

 

If your vehicle is emitting colored exhaust, contact You Save Auto Repair in Covington, KY, to help you diagnose the issue. Their experienced mechanics provide a variety of services, including engine and transmission repairs and auto body services. They also offer used tires and brake repairs, and they’re dedicated to customer satisfaction. Contact them at (859) 360-3465 to schedule maintenance, or visit their website to learn more about their services. 

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