Has your MINI Cooper suddenly started smoking? If you see exhaust smoke pouring out of the tailpipe, this is a sign that your MINI’s engine is having problems. Don’t panic. We can find the problem and fix it here at Kinetech Motor Werkes. We are the best European auto service and repair shop in North Carolina, and we are experts at exhaust problems that trouble MINI Coopers and other European makes and models. Let’s talk about excess engine exhaust below.
Black
The reason why your MINI has black exhaust flowing out of the tailpipe is that it is burning too much fuel. This can be caused by leaking fuel injectors, a problem with the mass airflow or oxygen sensor, leaking fuel lines, or another engine problem that forces too much diesel fuel or gasoline into the combustion chamber. When there is too much fuel in the chamber, the engine has no choice but to burn it away, and this is what causes the black exhaust to come out of your tailpipe.
Blue
If you see blue exhaust flowing out of your MINI Cooper’s tailpipe, this is a very bad sign that your engine is burning away the motor oil. The most common cause of this problem is a cracked engine gasket. When the engine gasket cracks, motor oil leaks into the cylinders. When the spark plugs ignite the fuel and air inside of the cylinders, they also ignite the motor oil, and this is what causes the blue exhaust to flow out of the tailpipe.
White
White exhaust means that your engine is burning coolant. This can be caused by a leak in the cooling system, such as a rusted radiator or a blown head gasket. In many cases, you will not only see white exhaust pouring out of your MINI Cooper’s tailpipe, but you may also see white smoke flowing out from underneath the hood. This is because your MINI’s engine is overheating severely. Stop driving your automobile to prevent further engine damage.
Wisps
If all you see are wisps of white smoke making their way out of the tailpipe, you likely have nothing to worry about. This is especially true if you see this on a cold morning or evening. This is natural steam and condensation coming out of the tailpipe that looks like white smoke because of the cold weather.
No matter what, if you are concerned about the exhaust you see flowing out of your MINI Cooper or other European automobile’s tailpipe, call Kinetech Motor Werkes in Indian Trail, NC, right away.