Possible causes of Engine Vehicle Smoke may include clogged air filters, oil leaks, and using the wrong grades of fuel. Common Causes of Gasoline Engine Vehicle Smoke Visible Signs Diagnosis Possible Causes The San Joaquin Black or Gray Smoke Incomplete fuel Clogged air filter combustion Carburetor, choke, fuel injection, or emission system Valley Air Pollution malfunction Iginition timing off Blocked manifold Control District is Blue Smoke Engine oil being burned Oil leaking into combustion chamber committed to Worn piston rings, valves, or cylinders Leaking exhaust manifold ensuring that all Head gasket failure White Smoke Coolant and/or water Head gasket leaking residents of the San vaporized in combustion Cracked block or cylinder head Common Causes of Diesel Engine Vehicle Smoke Joaquin Valley have Visible Signs Diagnosis Possible Causes Black or Gray Smoke Incomplete fuel Clogged air filter clear air to breathe. Lets Clear the Air! combustion Wrong grade of fuel Incorrect timing Engine overheating Faulty injection system Blue Smoke Engine oil being burned Worn piston rings, valves, or cylinders or atomized Engine oil level too high White Smoke Fuel is not burning Faulty injection system www.valleyair.org Incorrect timing Engine overheating Lets Clear the Air! CA Motor Vehicle Code Diesel Engines Should Not Smoke Emissions from motor vehicles are a major Smoking vehicles are a nuisance and against Diesel engines will emit some smoke when source of air pollution, threatening our health, the law. All vehicles that emit excessive they first start out or are under load, but they economy, and quality of life. smoke, including those with diesel engines, should not smoke constantly nor when are in violation of Sections 27153 and 27153.1 operating at cruising speed on a level road. It is estimated that a poorly maintained vehicle of the California Motor Vehicle Code. As such, When a vehicle smokes excessively, it needs emits up to 25 times more pollutants than they can be cited by local law enforcement. to be examined by a mechanic and repaired. allowed by emissions standards. If you suspect your vehicle emits excessive An indication of this is excessive tailpipe smoke, you can make specific adjustments or smoke. repairs to correct the situation. Here are some ways you can help clear the air: When a vehicle smokes excessively, it Reduce Vehicle Idling needs to be examined Excessive vehicle idling releases carbon by a mechanic and Call monoxide and other pollutants into the air. repaired. 1-800-55-99-AIR Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that poses or #SMOG to report a special health risks to sensitive individuals— Follow Owners Manuals smoking vehicle. especially those with heart ailments. A vehicle owner’s manual will recommend the option grade of gasoline to use, proper gear Report Smoking Vehicles shifting methods, and other ways to keep The Valley Air District has a voluntary Smoking engines running at maximum environmental Vehicle Program that allows residents to and economic efficiency. anonymously report smoking vehicles seen on Valley roads. Worn plugs waste gas When a vehicle is seen with visible exhaust for and lower engine For additional information, contact the San more than 10 seconds, call the Air District’s performance. Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District regional office nearest you: hotline. Jot down the license plate number, car Keep Engines Well-Tuned make and model, date, and the location of Northern Region where the vehicle was seen. Dirty carburetors, clogged air filters, and worn parts and plugs waste gas and lower engine (San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced Counties) Call 1-800-55-99-AIR to report a smoking performance and contribute increased 4230 Kiernan Ave., #130, Modesto, CA 95356-9321 (209) 557-6400 • FAX: (209) 557-6475 vehicle. emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides— two major contributors to air pollution Call #SMOG free-of-charge for AT&T Central Region in the San Joaquin Valley. Wireless, Cellular One, and Via Wireless (Madera, Fresno and Kings Counties) cellular telephone customers. Cooperate with the Smog Check Program 1990 E. Gettysburg Ave., Fresno, CA 93726-0244 (559) 230-5950 • FAX: (559) 230-6062 The owner of the smoking vehicle will be State law requires an inspection of all vehicles’ notified by mail and encouraged to make emission control equipment every two years. Southern Region Smog Checks and making necessary repairs repairs to the vehicle. (Tulare and Kern Counties) comply with the law and reduce air pollution. 2700 M St., #275, Bakersfield, CA 93301-2370 Join the thousands of San Joaquin Valley Remember— emission systems of exempt (661) 326-6900 • FAX: (661) 326-6985 residents who are looking for smoking vehicles vehicles are required by law, and the removal and doing their part for clearer air! of any smog equipment is illegal. www.valleyair.org.