The catalytic converter has the important job of converting harmful exhaust emissions so they are safe to be released into the environment. Bird Automotive advises that a catalytic converter lasts about 10 years before it gets clogged and goes bad. We are going to list the signs that your car’s catalytic converter is going bad below. Bring your vehicle to our shop as soon as possible so we can replace it.
Poor Engine Performance
Once the catalytic converter gets clogged by sulfur and carbon deposits, the exhaust produced in the combustion chamber will have nowhere to go but back into the chamber. When this happens, your engine performance and acceleration suffer because the combustion chamber is clogged with exhaust. This makes it difficult for the air and fuel to be fired in the cylinders.
Poor Fuel Economy
Unfortunately, the engine performance problems will lead to a reduction in your vehicle’s fuel economy because the engine will burn more fuel. Any time an automobile engine struggles to run, it may seem as if it would be burning less fuel, but it actually burns more. This means you’ll be heading to the service station for gasoline or diesel fuel more often.
Dark Exhaust Smoke
Another sign that the catalytic converter is causing problems in the engine is if you see dark exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe. This can be an indication that the converter has failed to treat the engine’s exhaust. It can also be a sign that the engine control module has pushed extra fuel into the combustion chamber in an effort to resolve the engine performance problems.
Rancid Exhaust Odors
One thing that definitely points to a problem with the catalytic converter is rancid exhaust odors. This points to an issue with sulfur deposits clogging the catalytic converter’s honeycomb surface. When scorching exhaust flows over the sulfur, it releases an odor that smells like rotten eggs.
Heat Under the Car
A malfunctioning catalytic converter will also release too much heat underneath your vehicle. This will cause the engine to overheat, as well, because, as you learned in science class, heat rises.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, the above problems may trigger your vehicle’s main computer chip to turn on the check engine light on the dashboard. Take this warning seriously and bring your vehicle to our shop.
Bird Automotive in Oak Grove, MO, is here to help, so call us today if you believe your vehicle’s catalytic converter is going bad.
