Why is my car smoking from the exhaust?

Colour tells you the cause: white = coolant or condensation, blue = burning oil, black = too much fuel.

Here's a quick, honest answer from a working UK mechanic — what causes it, what it costs to fix, and what to do next.

Is some smoke normal? — Cold-morning condensation that clears in 30 seconds is normal. Persistent smoke of any colour is not.

Will I fail emissions at MOT? — Visible smoke under acceleration is an automatic MOT fail.

Bob's Mechanical Repairs — independent family-run garage in Birnam, Dunkeld, Perthshire. Call 01350 727 276 or email [email protected].