Join our search engine
European Union
Categories

What does the color of the exhaust fumes portend?

Author: Maciej Mokwiński
Category: Tips
What does the color of the exhaust fumes portend? – main image

Each passion inevitably involves certain expenses that we have to incur in its implementation. It is no different in the case of caravanning - regardless of whether we rent or use our own equipment . The cost level is of course incomparably higher for campers. Their service, ongoing repairs and maintenance consume more funds. The lion's share is generated by professional service of the drive unit - the number of breakdowns and fuel consumption largely depend on its condition. At least for this reason, we should pay special attention to it - even the color of the exhaust gas will reveal a lot of valuable information about the condition of the engine.

Very few drivers have any idea about the structure, wear and characteristics of the engines . The result of ignorance is wrong diagnosis or ignoring the obvious symptoms of mechanical failures . One of the best solutions is periodic inspections where the mechanics actually scan the vehicle for any defects. We are then sure of the technical condition . The color of the exhaust gas will provide us with a large dose of information - remember, however, that even a healthy engine will smoke in certain situations .

Diesel engines without a diesel particulate filter that make life difficult for the driver, can smoke even when in perfect condition. A characteristic feature of such constructions is the release of clouds of black smoke from the exhaust pipe. During even driving, the diesel runs smoothly and practically does not generate any visible contamination. Only under load does it emit black smoke - these are unburned diesel fuel particles , which in newer designs are caught by the diesel particulate filter.

Almost all campers produced today are obligatorily equipped with a particulate filter. Units of this type are in theory considered to be clean and much more environmentally friendly than conventional solutions. However, they also have the right to smoke - they generate white smoke . If the engine is fully operational, smoke is produced only when the filter contents are burned off - the temperature inside the filter rises, which allows you to burn soot and other harmful substances from the exhaust in the form of white smoke. Nevertheless - the failure of the filter may be accompanied by continuous smoking (the filter has been clogged ), which usually involves its replacement ( cost up to several thousand zlotys ), or cleaning and replenishment of the factor increasing the temperature of the exhaust gases.

In the case of a gasoline engine, smoking is also not always a problem. Immediately after starting a cold unit (especially after rainfall or in winter), normal phenomena include the emergence of clouds of white smoke from the exhaust - it is nothing but water vapor (moisture accumulated in the exhaust system). The reason for concern is the blue shade of exhaust gases - in this case we are dealing with a unit that consumes engine oil (the turbocharger or piston rings may be the fault).

The technical condition of a modern engine can still be largely assessed on our own, initially saving on professional assistance. A great help in "diagnosing" the drive unit is the color of its exhaust gases - thanks to it we will have the vehicle repaired in time or we will avoid buying used art.

Maciej Mokwiński
Maciej Mokwiński

I follow the latest trends in the automotive industry, not only in caravanning

See more publications by this author
Icon

Also read

Motorhome accident repairs – image 1
Tips
Motorhome accident repairs
When we have a motorhome with a minor or larger accident, or we intend to buy a collision car, it is always worth contacting a proven service, specialized in repairing motorhomes. The Elcamp company from Krakow, known as a manufacturer and seller of motorhomes and a distributor of car parts and accessories, also runs a camping car repair service. Not only what's outside Most often, during a collision, elements of the outer skin of the car are damaged. The effects, however, can be much more serious. It is always worth checking if the equipment inside the vehicle and installations: water, gas, electricity, TV and others have not been damaged. The next stage of repair is the replacement of damaged parts . It is safest to get a specific, new part directly from the manufacturer. Elcamp gives a guarantee for all work performed, unless the repair at the customer's request was not carried out in accordance with the recommended technology. Then no one will take responsibility for any future faults. The biggest enemy of any building is its leakage . The vast majority of motorhomes have "sandwich" coverings. After a collision, check if there are any leaks through which water enters the interior, causing the frame to rot. In the event of damage or leakage of the roof, we will usually have nothing else to do but replace it with a brand new one. This usually takes a lot of time and money. Is the repair worth it? In the autumn and winter period, the workshop is working at full speed. A company with as much experience as Elcamp undertakes every repair of a damaged vehicle . Clients usually ask two questions: about the cost and duration of the work. Unfortunately, post-accident repair can take up to several months . This is due to the fact that not all parts are available "out of stock". The cost obviously depends on the degree of damage to the vehicle or its equipment. When the initial cost , which is usually estimated at the first inspection, exceeds the value of the car, it makes no sense to undertake repairs. Repair expenses are, of course, a river topic. They can be up to 100% of the market value of the vehicle. It is worth emphasizing, however, that it is not synonymous with the actual selling price - well-kept cars, repaired with the use of original parts, reach prices above average market prices. Please check before buying Sometimes it's a good idea to buy a used vehicle. However, be careful with new (or almost new) cars at bargain prices . Then we can almost be sure that they have had an accident. Of course, you can do something with them, but it is important to know about a possible collision. The purchase of an accident motorhome can even be profitable, provided that the vehicle is thoroughly inspected and, during the inspection, as much damage as possible related to the incident (or even earlier) is noticed. It even happens that the cost of post-accident work is lower than in the case of non-damage repair. Remember that previous defects are easy to hide in a damaged car, in which the seller will not allow us to connect, for example, electricity or gas during the inspection, explaining that the installations may be out of order. Sometimes it is of course true, but in this way we are deprived of the possibility of checking individual pieces of equipment. Haste is a bad advisor To find a used motorhome in good condition, you need to spend some time searching for it. It is rare that the first copy that catches our eye is actually worth buying. Here there is a small problem - buying a car abroad. Since we are going far and spending money to see the car, even if it does not correspond to the description, we often decide to buy it anyway. This is a serious mistake. When we are not specialists ourselves, it is best to opt for an advisor - it is an expense much lower than the unexpected repair later. Elcamp's experts often advise on the purchase of damaged or used cars, both at the company's headquarters and at the seller, at the request of customers. However, as they say themselves, nothing can replace a car inspection in a professional service prepared for the comprehensive service of camping vehicles, which has all the necessary equipment. Thanks to them, it is possible to detect defects that even an experienced specialist will not notice with the naked eye.