This information can easily mislead a technician and help cause a misdiagnosis. Don t worry if it s black only a minute or two after the engine is first started but then disappears. It s normal for the fuel mixture to be richer at a cold start-up. However, you must see a professional if the black smoke continues. Take it to the shop to determine the cause.
Moisture gets there via a blown head gasket, a cracked engine head or block.
If the vacuum modulator on your transmission is broken. It will cause white smoke. Again, head to the shop for repairs. Coolant leaks at the front end of your car. But if your newer car is leaking puddles instead of drops, head to the shop to find the source of the leak.