What does white exhaust gas from the engine's tailpipe indicate as a fault?
2 Answers
It may be due to contamination of the vehicle's air filter, leading to insufficient air intake, or it could be a problem with the carburetor, or the oxygen sensor in the exhaust pipe may be contaminated. The functions of the exhaust pipe are: To reduce vibration and noise; to extend the lifespan of the exhaust muffler system; to discharge the exhaust gases produced by the engine. Maintenance methods for the exhaust pipe: Avoid prolonged high-speed driving with the choke closed; avoid installing windshields or decorative items in front of the engine and muffler; minimize prolonged high-revving in neutral; regularly clean foreign objects from the vehicle's exhaust pipe.
I've been working as an auto mechanic for many years, and a common issue with white smoke from the exhaust pipe is coolant leaking into the engine combustion chamber. The most likely cause is what we often call a blown cylinder head gasket, or cracks in the engine block itself, allowing coolant to seep in. The smoke looks thick and white, like steam. Don't take this lightly—accompanying symptoms may include engine overheating and rapid coolant consumption. For diagnosis, first pop the hood to check if the radiator water level has dropped, and start the car to observe any changes in the smoke color. If this issue is confirmed, get it repaired immediately, or the engine will wear out faster and repairs will cost more. Regularly checking the antifreeze condition while driving can help prevent this.