Black smoke on tail pipe?

Question

Is it normal to have a black smoke ring/dust around the tail pipe of a car? The car doesn't seem to smoke. It just has a black soot on the tail pipe. What would cause this?

Answer 1

Some soot around a tailpipe is normal. Tailpipes get really hot and also, that's where all of the exhaust and waste products are expelled from your engine. It's sort of like a little chimney. Take a damp rag, when the car is cold, and wipe it off if you want to. Most of the soot and discoloration should come right off.

If you are actually seeing dark smoke, then you are burning oil and that is bad.

Answer 2

As some have told you.....black smoke is from fuel. A little is normal. If it's building up a lot, you have an issue that needs to be addressed. To clarify the color of smoke. Black is fuel. Blue is oil. White is transmission fluid (usually indicating a bad vacuum shift modulator). You may not be seeing the smoke especially when driving. Have someone drive along behind you and watch for smoke under different driving conditions. You may simply need a tune up with new spark plugs.

Answer 3

Before catalytic converters, black soot was a sign of a VERY fuel rich condition. Since '75, exhaust systems with cat/cons have that black soot buildup. It's normal. However, if your car is smoking, that's NOT normal.

Answer 4

A small amount of soot around the edge of the exhaust pipe outlet is normal.

Answer 5

Absolutely normal. My 2006 Mercedes blows a constant stream of thick, black smoke that covers the other cars behind me. The dealership said it's totally normal.

Answer 6

Black smoke or soot always indicates oil burning.

Answer 7

A little soot is normal.

Answer 8

Black smoke is not normal.Get it checked now before something else goes wrong.

Answer 9

well if its an older car its burning oil, if its a newer car check with the dealer

Answer 10

Its normal