Quick question about exhaust smoke

twe

twe

Associate
Joined
13 Jan 2010
Posts
465
Hi guys,

My car seems to be smoking, maybe burning oil. Would it be ok to just top it up with fresh oil and wait the 3000-4000 miles before the next service is due and funds become available?

I don't think the previous owner topped it up.

Thanks!
 
I can smell it when I walk out the car. Normally under acceleration.

It is under warranty still so I can do that. Just thought I could see what I can do for the time being as the service will be due in 3 months time or so.
 
take it in ASAP as if they believe you didn't take care or report problems as they arise then they have a case to dismiss a claim.
 
Black smoke? , 2012 diesel with a previous owner who didn't bother to check / top it up....

Perhaps, they also didn't bother to service it and the air filter is blocked?
 
Sorry, my mistake, the smoke is white not black.

Just tried it now when the car was cold and revved the engine, couldn't see it from the rear view mirror but walking out with engine on idle looking at the exhaust I can see white smoke and a smell.

I just bought the car from a dealer and it's under warranty too.

Seems like I should take it to the dealer to get their own people to check it out?
 
Sorry, my mistake, the smoke is white not black.

It is steam then if it is white and is normal on colder damp startups and should disappear when the engine is up to operating temperature. Are you doing short runs as the engine will not get up to temperature.

Have you checked the oil level and condition?
 
I just drove 50 minutes to my father in laws and unfortunately revving the engine and getting out I can smell it still. Forgot to check for smoke but will have another look tomorrow and reply back here.

Any idea for a new car what could the issue be?

I will call the company I bought the car from Monday though.
 
Not sure how to describe the smell.

Like diesel fumes.

Bit difficult to not drive it as my only transport but will call the dealer Monday.
 
White smoke that smells of diesel is actually unburnt diesel. This can be caused by low compression (e.g. leaking valves, piston rings or head gasket) or a faulty injector. This may also cause the engine to run roughly and be lower on power.

If the smoke is white with a blue tint to it, then this is burning oil and it has a very distinctive smell. If the engine is actualy using oil (i.e. the level on the dip stick is dropping quickly when you use the car) then it probably is oil smoke. On a turbo diesel lots of burning oil is often caused by failed oil seals within the turbo, and can cause something known as 'runaway' where the engine runs on it's own engine oil. The engine speed in this state will be uncontrollable, and switching off the ignition will not stop the engine.

Either way you need to get the car back to the dealer ASAP.
 
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