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White, blue or black smoke from your car

In Diagnostics by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

It can be a little concerning when you notice smoke from your car exhaust. This occurred to me recently when a friend started their Chevy Colorado. 

If this happens to you, you might think, “What’s wrong?” and “Is it safe to drive my vehicle?”

Before taking off down the road, you need to make sure your car is drivable. There are a few areas you can check:

  • Take a look at the temperature gauge, which tells you if the engine coolant temperature is where it should be.
  • Make sure there aren’t any warning lights or alerts on your dashboard.
  • Check the oil level and coolant level to ensure they aren’t low.

What to do if you notice smoke from your car

Wondering what to do if there’s white smoke from exhaust? What if you notice blue, gray or black smoke from your car? 

Having the car checked out by a trained automotive expert – like an ASE certified technician – is your best and safest option.

If you don’t see any warning lights and everything seems to be OK, drive the vehicle to a nearby auto repair shop as soon as possible.

If there is a problem, or something changes when you start traveling – if it starts overheating, for example – you should pull over at a safe location and call a tow truck. 

Choosing to ignore alerts, low fluid levels, or odd behaviors for too long could lead to more damage.

What do different smoke colors mean?

You can get a better idea of what’s causing the smoke by looking at different factors, like the color and the smell.

White smoke coming out of exhaust can be the result of a few different problems. It may indicate an engine problem or that coolant is going into the combustion chamber. A cracked cylinder head, a head gasket that’s leaking, or a cracked engine block are other possibilities.

A sweet smell is typically associated with antifreeze or coolant. Meanwhile, the smell of fuel can mean that the issue lies with the fuel system.

Blue, gray and black are other colors of smoke to watch out for. If the smoke from your car is gray or blue and you notice a smell that seems bitter, it might mean that the engine is burning oil. The situation could occur if valve seals are leaking, piston rings have become worn, a PCV valve is clogged, or the crankcase is overfilled with oil

Not using the correct kind of oil and not having regular oil changes performed may also cause this problem. We recommend oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on the vehicle. 

Grey or white smoke coming out the back of the vehicle – but not necessarily the tailpipe – could be an external leak, such as engine oil dripping or transmission fluid leaking from a cooler line onto the exhaust.

Too much raw fuel burning could lead to black smoke that has a gasoline smell, a problem sometimes caused by a fuel pressure regulator that has failed, a bad engine sensor or ignition part, or a fuel injector that’s leaking. 

You should have your vehicle serviced at a car repair shop, because some of them – including Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire, an auto repair shop in Woodbridge, Virginia – perform visual inspections and note anything out of the ordinary, such as oil leaks and coolant leaks. Internal leaks are more difficult to diagnose, but your mechanic can help determine the problem and help you and your family stay safe on the road.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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What does engine repair mean today?

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

What does engine repair actually mean on a car now?

It used to mean taking the engine apart and replacing different parts, including valves, pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts, camshafts. All of that is still correct.

But when most people think of engine repair, it has to do with not only internal but what is on the engine, what makes it run.

Internal engine components:

  • Valves
  • Pistons
  • Connecting rods
  • Crankshafts
  • Camshafts
  • Bearings
  • Oil pump
  • Cylinder heads
  • Intake manifold

Exhaust manifold

External and internal engine repair

When you’re talking about these different parts, you start with the ignition system. On the engine, that can be anything from the coils, spark plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor, distributor – if the vehicle is old enough to have one. It could also be an ignition module that might be bolted on top of the engine or on the valve cover.

It could also have to do with the cooling system that’s on the engine. Maybe it’s the serpentine belt or the idler pulleys, and all of these go with the water pump. Serpentine Belt

Water pump parts:

  • Serpentine belt
  • Idler pulleys
  • Water pump
  • Belt tensioner
  • Radiator hoses
  • Engine coolant thermostat
Subaru timing belt and timing belt guide pulleys.

Subaru timing belt and timing belt guide pulleys

When you’re talking about internal components as far as engine repair, the most common now are timing belts and timing chains. Along with that job may go some idler pulleys, timing chain guides, and crankshaft and camshaft oil seals.

Parts associated with timing belts include:

  • Timing belt tensioner
  • Camshaft seals
  • Crankshaft seals
  • Timing belt idler pulleys
Timing chain and timing chain guides.

Timing chain and timing chain guides.

These are items related to timing chains:

  • Timing chains
  • Timing chain guides
  • Timing chain tensioner
  • Timing chain sprockets
  • Camshaft seals
  • Crankshaft seals
Cadillac engine repair.

Cadillac engine repair

Engine-related problems

Some people may think of engine repair as the control system, like your check engine light comes on and what’s related to the engine.  

Oil leaks is another problem that people associate with it. That can be anything from the oil pan, the valve cover gaskets, the rear main seal or crankshaft seal. With the way these cars are designed now, even the oil pan can be in three different pieces.

Components that are connected with oil leaks:

  • Oil pan 
  • Valve cover gaskets
  • Rear main seal
  • Crankshaft seal
  • Oil pan gasket
  • Intake manifold gaskets
  • Oil filter housing
  • Timing chain cover gaskets
  • Cylinder head gaskets
  • Oil pumps
Land rover engine repair.

Land rover engine repair

You also have engine maintenance, which people will call engine repair. Now we’re talking oil changes and fluid exchanges. Then, there’s maintenance due to time and mileage, such as belts and hoses. 

Engine maintenance services:

  • Oil changes
  • Fluid exchanges
  • Fuel system service
  • Tune up
  • Belt replacement
  • Air filter
  • Fuel filter
  • Radiator hoses
  • Engine coolant

Whether you think engine repair means work on the engine, in the engine, or associated with the engine, Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is your local auto repair shop that can take care of all your needs.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Brake repair: What you should keep in mind

In Brakes by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

At Steve’s Auto Repair, we rotate tires and check brakes for our digital vehicle inspection, which is done as part of our oil change.

Lincoln Mercury.We conducted an inspection on a Lincoln Mercury and learned that the customer didn’t notice that the brakes had gone metal to metal. Because we are a full service shop, we are able to take care of these kinds of jobs.

What brake repair looks like

Grinding noise on brakes.

Grinding noise on brakes

In this particular case, the brake pads and rotors were simply worn down and need to be replaced. However, it’s important to keep in mind that brake repair doesn’t just involve changing the brake pads and rotors. It’s about looking at the rest of the brake system to make sure everything is working correctly.

You also need to check the bleeders on the calipers. Make sure we can actually open them and bleed the brake fluid out. Are there any hardware issues that have to go with the brake caliper? Is the brake caliper piston boot torn? Is the caliper piston seized where it won’t retract into the caliper housing? Those are some other problems that can occur and make the brake pad and rotor wear faster than just normal wear and tear. 

A brake line going bad can also cause this. There’s an issue called “brake line checking,” which is when a little piece in the brake line becomes loose. When you press the brake, the fluid goes past. As you release it, a piece acts like a flap, preventing the fluid from releasing and maintaining pressure on the brake.

In order to conduct brake service correctly, you need to release the bleeders before you push the pistons back on the brake caliper. You don’t want to be cramming dirt back into the Anti-lock braking system (ABS) or the master cylinder. 

Once the brake job is done

Technician performing brake fluid exchange.After everything is put back together, you will want to do a brake fluid flush. We use the BG fluid, which has a flushing agent in it. So, it’s not just a brake fluid exchange, like some other places do. Over a period of time, the brake fluid will get some moisture in it and – under extreme braking – the moisture can boil, resulting in a soft pedal. These problems arise as the brakes heat up when you’re coming down from the mountains after visiting with grandma or when you’re commuting. If you’re a commuter, you’re braking all the time. Even if you’re in stop and go traffic, you’re heating up the brakes quite a bit.

Using the correct lubrication on the back of the pads, or the metal contact points for the hardware or the calipers where they meet on the caliper bracket is also a necessary step in brake repair.

Using an impact gun, using an electric impact, or torquing the wheels back down is one of the last things often missed at a lot of places, including people who are working on their vehicles at home. Not using a torque wrench can automatically mess up the brake job from the get go. You start getting some lateral run out, which can cause some brake pedal pulsation later. Then, you basically have to do the brake job all over again. 

Wherever you go to get your vehicle worked on, ensure that it has ASE certified technicians. Our techs are trained to look for these different types of conditions and make sure that the brake job is done right.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Tire ready for any conditions

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Inclement weather can sometimes catch us off guard. However, there is one tire that is always prepared.

The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Tire can handle different kinds of conditions you face.

It is able to take on roads that are dry or slippery, a trait that is especially helpful in the snowy winter weather and when thunderstorms pop up during the summer. 

This has become a favorite among many car owners for quite a few reasons.

Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Tire offers great traction

First off, this all season tire is one that a lot of drivers trust. What makes this all season tire so reliable? The answer can be found in its design.

Featuring an asymmetric tread, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Tire is able to provide great traction in wet weather conditions.

The shoulders consist of treadblock blades, which lock with one another as you’re going around corners. This gives you additional support on slick surfaces.

Severe snow certified, this Goodyear tire maintains its grip on icy, wet and snowy roads. No matter what nature hurls at you, you can feel safe and confident in your travels.

Ability to move water away

If you check out the middle of the tire, you will see 3-D treadblock blades and evolving traction grooves. Overtime, the grooves change from deep to wide, enabling them to move water and slush away. 

Some parts of Northern Virginia are prone to collect water during heavy rainfall. Having tires that can push away water helps drivers avoid hydroplaning.

Plus, it works well in hot and frigid temperatures, thanks to soybean oil in its rubber compound. 

The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Tire is able to help you get where you need to go while also providing a comfortable ride.

Built to last for years to come

Purchasing new tires can be expensive, and it may be tempting to choose a cheaper option. But, like many items, you get what you pay for. The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady Tire is worth the investment.

This Goodyear tire has a long lifespan. Drivers who choose it don’t need to worry about replacing it for a while, because it’s backed by a 60,000 mile warranty. So, it can last between four and five years, for those who drive 12,000 to 13,000 miles a year.

Whether you’re a Northern Virginia commuter or an adventure enthusiast, the all season tire should be kept in mind.

If you’re thinking about buying a set of these tires, now is the time to do it. Goodyear is currently offering a rebate on certain tires. Until December 31, 2021, you could get up to $200 back when you buy four Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady tires using the Goodyear credit card.

To learn more information about this deal, reach out to a local auto repair shop that sells Goodyear tires.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Checking tire tread depth: How to tell if you need new tires

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Every few years or so – whether you’re having a state inspection done, you have a flat tire, or during an oil change – you may hear that you need new tires. This is advice that shouldn’t be ignored.

Tires play a key role in protecting drivers and those riding along with them. 

Grooves and siping can be found around a tire and work together to keep it connected with the road. This is especially important during rainy conditions, when hydroplaning is possible.

When you purchase new tires, the tread depth typically ranges from 8/32 of an inch to 14/32 of an inch, depending on the tire. Through everyday use, this decreases overtime.

In order to pass the Virginia safety inspection, the tire tread depth must be at least 2/32 of an inch. (You can read more about what inspectors look for in this article we wrote.)

How to check tire tread

So, how can you tell if the tread depth is too low?

Well, you can try the tire penny test. Here’s out it works: Hold a penny vertically on the grooves so Abraham Lincoln is upside down. 

You shouldn’t be able to see the top of his head. If the top is visible, it’s time for new tires. Part of the head remaining covered indicates that the tire tread exceeds 2/32 of an inch.

If you still aren’t sure, it doesn’t hurt to have the tire tread depth checked at a car repair shop. They will be able to tell you for sure and recommend tires that fit your vehicle and budget.

Checking tire tread depth.

Another way to check it is through a method that most mechanics use – a 32” of an inch gauge. This is where you’re making a determination of where the minimum is for Virginia safety inspection and when it’s time to think about replacing tires. The state minimum is 2/32 of an inch. Most tire manufacturers recommend getting new ones around 4/32 of an inch, mainly due to the ability to move water away from the tire.

It’s a good idea to continue monitoring tire tread. Tires that are experiencing a significant amount of wear in one area can indicate a problem. Uneven tire wear, for example, could mean that you need a wheel alignment.

Buying new tires? Here are some things to consider.

If you’re ready to buy new tires, make sure you don’t just go with the cheapest option – unless you plan to sell the vehicle soon. 

Yes, your wallet may approve of the less expensive choice for the time being. However, cheaper tires won’t have as high of a speed rating and, therefore, won’t grip the road as well as those that cost more. 

Goodyear Tire is a reliable brand that produces all kinds of great options, including the Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season Tire and the Goodyear Assurance Fuel MaxLife Tire. You also can’t go wrong with Kelly Tire, which has the Kelly Edge A/S Tire.

Road hazard insurance is another expense that you should keep in mind. We offer a nationwide road hazard warranty that kicks in when a tire isn’t repairable. A tire may not be able to be repaired, depending on the injury’s angle and location

The road hazard warranty, which we offer on tires you buy from us, covers up to 100 percent of the cost of a new tire if the old tire can’t be repaired and is within the first 33 percent of its treadwear. It’s prorated after that.

So, even though you are putting more money up front, it could save you on future expenses.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.