Smoke Test (Smoke Leak Detection)
A smoke test fills a system with harmless smoke to find leaks.
What is Smoke Test (Smoke Leak Detection)?
It is used for intake vacuum leaks, EVAP systems and exhaust leaks. Smoke escapes visibly at the leak. Some machines add UV dye. Small vacuum leaks are often impossible to find by ear, especially on modern engines with many hoses and plastic intake parts. Smoke testing can also find leaks in the turbocharger system, wind and water leaks in the body and leaks in the exhaust before the oxygen sensors. The test is quick and does not require dismantling.
How it works
A smoke machine pushes vapour into the sealed system at low pressure.
Why it matters for your car
Block openings properly for a meaningful test. Do not use high pressure on EVAP systems.
Other terms
- Air Quality Sensor
- Backprobing
- Boost Leak
- Clutch Master Cylinder
- DC Fast Charging
- Driveline Clunk
- Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme)
- Headlight Restoration
- Leather Conditioner
- Reversing Light Switch
- Scheduled Charging (Charging Timer)
- Seatbelt Reminder
- Steering Rack
- Tethered Vs Untethered Wallbox
- Threshold Braking
- Torque Converter Lock-up Clutch
- Vehicle Tax (Road Tax)
- VVT Solenoid (Camshaft Control Valve)
- Wallbox (Home Charger)
- Wheel Spacers