QuestionI just got to work this morning and a coworker sed my tailpipe was smoking. I have a 99 dodge intrepid..I am a women who does not know anything about cars...help what is wrong?
AnswerYou did not specify what type of smoke............I know......"you mean there is more than one type of smoke?"
All kidding aside; here is what you look for:
1: PURE white smoke that is also very thick is transmission fluid being "siphoned" from the transmission through the engine and is being burned through the system and out the exhaust. With your particular car and year this is not very likely, so I would not worry about this; as if it were this type you would also look like the local misquito sprayer going down the road !
2: Gray smoke is an indicator of engine oil burning out the exhaust; if your car is extremely high mileage (125-150K) this could be normal as the engine rings and seal are pretty worn at this point in their useful life. There again, I would not worry about a high mileage situation, I would just be sure that I keep the oil level checked frequently. After all, it is cheaper to buy oil than to buy a new car. HOWEVER.........IF YOUR CAR IS LOW MILEAGE and is smoking out of the exhaust, then you possibly have an internal engine issue, such as a broken piston ring, etc. When I say low mileage, I am talking less than 60-70K on the car odometer. If this is the case, you need to take it to a shop that you trust.
3: Black smoke is an indicator that your fuel system is running "rich". This means that the "air to fuel" ratio is out of balance and you are recieving more fuel than air for the throttle position of the fuel injection unit. This also is something that would need immediate attention as it not only affects your fuel economy and mileage, but also is a detriment to the ozone. It will also lead to other issues like fouling out your spark plugs, and in some cases will shorten the life of your oxygen sensor drastically.
4: Slight "wispy" smoke out of the exhaust is usually when the car is idling, and or has recently been turned off. is actually condensation caused by the engine not being properly warmed up in contrast to the ambient air temperature (outside temperature). THIS TYPE IS ACCOMPANIED BY MOISTURE DRIPPING FROM THE TAILPIPE. This is common on vehicles that are started up and driven short distances and then shut off; like for example if someone only drove 2 or 3 miles to work, then the car would not have adequate time to reach normal operating temperature............this type of smoke is normal and nothing to worry about. (this is also why that car makers now utilize stainless steel exhaust systems on their cars now; to prevent them from rusting out prematurely)
JUST A LITTLE EXTRA FOR YOU>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>"how do I find a good shop?"
1-check the longevity of the shop / independent family shops will usually be 2nd and 3rd generation businesses; and are your BEST choice. They will generally be shops of good character as this is handed down from generation to generation. Plus they MUST do the things necessary to keep a consistent customer base. They are not always "low cost" but will almost always be honest with you...they want you to come back.
2-dealerships always offer the latest and technology and training.......but they generally have longer wait times and are always the most expensive (example: a customer I know had his chevy pickup in for an oil change at the dealer, and requested that they replace the wiper blade refills while they were at it; they charged him $25.00 each for refills that you can buy at Walmart for about $10.00 for BOTH of them.) They are good, but are akin to doctor's when it comes to billing !
3-DO NOT use a shop that has a built in salvage yard for a business lot. Many times you will hear from shops that they have a mechanics lein on a vehicle; and sometimes that is understandable........BUT, if he's got a yard full of them...think about it where is he getting his money then??? from selling parts off of the "impounded" cars most likely. Not all are like that, but there are too many for me to take a chance.
Good luck
