Month: March 2025

When your engine is functioning properly, the exhaust produced should be nearly invisible, especially once the engine has warmed up. Dark or black smoke indicates that your engine is burning too much fuel or oil is getting into the combustion chamber. This inefficient combustion not only wastes fuel and oil but can lead to more serious problems if left unaddressed.

Unlike white smoke (which typically indicates coolant entering the combustion chamber), black smoke is specifically tied to fuel related or oil burning issues. Understanding the root cause is essential for proper repairs and preventing further damage.

Common Causes of Dark Exhaust Smoke

Malfunctioning Fuel Injectors

Fuel injectors are responsible for delivering precisely the right amount of fuel into your engine’s combustion chambers. When they become dirty or damaged, they can get stuck open, dumping excess fuel into the engine. This excess fuel cannot burn completely, resulting in the dark smoke you see coming from your exhaust.

Signs of faulty injectors often include rough idling, decreased fuel economy, and hesitation during acceleration.  These symptoms are typically accompanied with a check engine light on your dash.

High Pressure Fuel Pumps

Many modern engines utilize high pressure fuel pumps as part of the direct injection fueling system.  These have internal seals and integrated fuel regulators.  If any of these components there is the possibility of additional unwanted fuel entering the combustion chamber causing an excessively “rich” condition and producing smoke out of the tail pipe

Other Fuel Related Issues

In addition to faulty fuel injectors and high pressure fuel pumps, anything else that is used to control the volume of fuel being delivered to the combustion chamber can cause smoke.  This can include the fuel pressure regulator, faulty sensors and computers.  Any component that is delivering more fuel than the engine can combust has the potential to produce black smoke out the tailpipe.

Worn Piston Rings or Valve Seals

Severely worn piston rings or valve seals can contribute to black smoke as well. When these components wear out, they allow oil to seep into the combustion chamber where it burns along with the fuel, creating a darker exhaust.

This problem typically lessens as the engine heats up as the tolerances will get tighter as the metals in the engine expand and make it more difficult for the oil to get past the rings and seals.  You will notice increased oil consumption and decreased engine performance when these components have failed.

Malfunctioning Crankcase Ventilation System

Many vehicles utilize a system to vent and recycle gases from an engine’s crankcase to reduce emissions and internal crankcase pressure buildup.  If these systems fail either through clogged valves or pipes it can direct the oil vapors into the combustion chamber instead of back into the lower crankcase.  This produces the same result of worn piston rings or valve seals.  The malfunctioning crankcase ventilation system is directing oil to be burned off causing smoke.  We tend to see this more on European-made vehicles due to their more complex systems, but it is becoming more common on domestic and import vehicles.

Malfunctioning Turbocharger

If your vehicle is equipped with a turbocharger, problems with this component can be a significant source of black exhaust smoke. A failing turbocharger might allow oil to leak into the exhaust system.  This is typically due to the internal seal of the turbocharger failing and then dumping oil directly into the exhaust and burning off and smoking out the exhaust.

Turbocharger issues are especially concerning as they can quickly escalate to more severe engine damage if not addressed promptly. Other symptoms might include a whistling noise, loss of power, or the illumination of your check engine light.

Diesel Engine Related

Diesel engines have their own unique issues related to black smoke out of the tailpipe in addition to the ones mentioned above.  Diesel engine can be prone to soot buildup.  Some of this is normal and natural, but over time it can become severe enough to cause issues with components such EGR valves, diesel particulate filters (DPF), and coked up intake systems.  When these components get overwhelmed with soot then the engine efficiency is compromised and the diesel fuel injected that is not combusted completely produces a dark black soot-filled smoke out of the tailpipe.

Is Dark Smoke Dangerous for My Vehicle?

The short answer is yes, dark smoke indicates a problem that should not be ignored. 

• Immediate Performance Issues: A vehicle producing black exhaust smoke is not operating efficiently. You’ll likely notice decreased power, rough running, and significantly reduced fuel economy. These performance issues will only worsen over time.

• Long-term Damage Potential: Running rich for extended periods can lead to carbon buildup on valves and pistons, catalytic converter damage, and fouled spark plugs

Exhaust & Engine Services in Riverton

Dark smoke from your exhaust is a clear warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored. While the causes range from relatively simple fixes like replacing oxygen sensors to more complex issues involving turbochargers or internal engine components, prompt diagnosis is key to preventing further damage.

At Matson Point S Tire & Service, our ASE-certified technicians have the diagnostic equipment and expertise to quickly identify the source of your exhaust smoke problems. Many of these issues, when caught early, can be resolved before they lead to more expensive repairs.

Don’t wait until minor problems become major ones. If you’re seeing dark smoke from your exhaust, it’s time to get your vehicle checked.  Call us at (801) 302-7175 or Schedule an Appointment online today!

What is a CV Axle and What Does it Do?

Your vehicle is made up of a large number of components that all work together to get you safely to your destination.    Many of these parts you may be familiar with like your brakes and tires, others may be not as clear.  In this article we are going to talk about CV axles, what they are, what they do and how to know if you may have an issue that needs attention.  Hopefully after reading this article, you will have an increased understanding of your vehicle’s components and what it means when you are told “You have a bad CV axle.” 

What is a CV Axle?

A CV axle, or Constant Velocity axle, serves as a critical link in your vehicle’s drivetrain system. This component transfers power from your transmission (or differential) to your wheels while accommodating the up-and-down motion of your suspension and the turning of your wheels.

The typical CV axle consists of three main components:

1. An inner joint that connects to the transmission or differential
2. A solid shaft running between the joints
3. An outer joint that connects to the wheel hub

CV axles are most commonly found in front-wheel-drive vehicles, where they must not only transfer power, but also allow for steering. However, they’re also used in many all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles with independent suspension systems.

What makes CV axles different from older universal joints is their ability to maintain a constant velocity transfer even at extreme angles. Traditional universal joints slow down and speed up slightly as they rotate at an angle, causing vibration and wear. CV joints eliminate this problem, providing smoother operation and greater durability.

How CV Axles Work

The CV axle’s unique ability is to perform multiple functions simultaneously. Its primary function is to transfer the rotational power from your engine and transmitting the power to your wheels from its connection to a transmission or differential. 

However, unlike a simple straight axle, CV axles must accommodate complex movements. When you turn your steering wheel, your front wheels pivot on an angle. A CV axle maintains constant rotational speed even as these angles change, ensuring smooth power delivery without binding or jerking.

Additionally, as your vehicle travels over bumps and dips in the road, your suspension system moves up and down. The CV axle must allow for this vertical movement while continuing to transfer power efficiently. This is particularly important during acceleration, when significant torque is being applied through the axle.

Think of the CV axle as a flexible connection that can bend and adjust while still maintaining its primary function of transferring rotational energy. This flexibility comes from the unique design of the constant velocity joints, which use ball bearings in special tracks to maintain consistent motion regardless of the operating angle.

Signs of a Failing CV Axle

Recognizing the symptoms of a failing CV axle early can save you from more expensive repairs down the road. Here are the most common warning signs to watch for:

• Clicking noises when turning: This is perhaps the most telltale sign of a CV axle problem. If you hear a clicking or popping sound that gets louder when making sharp turns (particularly when accelerating through a turn), it likely indicates a problem with the outer CV joint.
• Grease leakage around wheel area: CV joints are protected by rubber boots filled with grease. If these boots crack or tear, you may notice dark grease splattered on the inside edge of your tire or on nearby suspension components. This is a serious warning sign, as once the joint loses its lubrication, failure will follow quickly.
• Vibrations while driving: A damaged CV axle can cause vibrations that you will feel through the floor or steering wheel, especially during acceleration. These vibrations may increase with vehicle speed and can sometimes be mistaken for tire balance issues.

Consequences of Driving with a Bad CV Axle

Continuing to drive with a failing CV axle can lead to several serious consequences:

• Reduced vehicle control: A severely worn or damaged CV axle can affect your ability to control your vehicle, particularly during acceleration or when navigating turns.
• Potential for complete drivetrain failure: If a CV joint fails completely while driving, it can cause the axle to break. This will immediately disable your vehicle, potentially leaving you stranded in an inconvenient or dangerous location.
• Damage to related components: A failing CV axle doesn’t exist in isolation. The vibration and irregular movement it creates can damage your transmission, differential, wheel bearings, and other drivetrain components, compounding your repair costs.
• Safety concerns: Any component failure that affects your ability to control your vehicle presents a safety risk to you, your passengers, and others on the road.

Your vehicle’s CV axles may not be as well-known as the engine or transmission, but they perform an equally essential role in your car’s operation. Understanding what they do and recognizing the signs of failure can help you address problems early, saving money and preventing potential roadside breakdowns.

Axle & Drivetrain Service at Matson Point S in Riverton, Utah

At Matson Point S Tire & Service in the Salt Lake Valley, we specialize in comprehensive drivetrain services, including CV axle inspection and replacement. Our experienced technicians use quality parts and proper installation techniques to ensure your vehicle performs safely and reliably.

Call our Riverton location or schedule your appointment online today to ensure your vehicle’s drivetrain is in proper operating condition.