The catalytic converter is an important part of your vehicle’s exhaust system. It is the part that treats the exhaust so it is safe to be released into the environment. Every automobile in the United States must have a catalytic converter, unless they meet special classifications such as being a classic automobile. Eventually, the catalytic converter will go bad. Here are signs that it has.
Reduced Performance
The exhaust flows through the catalytic converter so it can treat the hydrocarbons. The inside of the catalytic converter looks like a honeycomb. Unfortunately, over time, the catalytic converter can get clogged with carbon and sulfur deposits. Consequently, this will cause the exhaust to back up into the engine and affect your engine’s performance.
Reduced Acceleration
In addition to reduced engine performance, you will also notice that your vehicle struggles to accelerate. This reduction suggests that the engine is full of exhaust. This can happen not only with a clogged catalytic converter but also with a leaking exhaust manifold.
Reduced Fuel Economy
Unfortunately, these problems will also reduce your fuel economy. In order to get the best gas mileage out of your car, SUV, or truck, you must have an engine that runs efficiently and consumes fuel efficiently. Unfortunately, when the engine is full of exhaust, it runs inefficiently.
Dark Exhaust Smoke
The engine control unit may attempt to resolve the problem by adding fuel to the combustion chamber. This will leave you with an excess fuel burn in the engine and dark exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe. The color of the exhaust also suggests that the catalytic converter has not treated it.
Burning Sulfur Odors
We mentioned above that the exhaust leaves carbon and sulfur deposits inside the catalytic converter. When the pot exhaust flows over the sulfur deposits, they release unpleasant odors. Burning sulfur smells like burning rotten eggs, and you will smell this odor in your exhaust.
Excess Undercarriage Heat
The unpleasant odor suggests that your catalytic converter is clogged. In addition, you may start to have problems with your engine overheating because the catalytic converter is releasing too much heat. Unfortunately, this heat gathers underneath your vehicle and then rises into the engine.
Give us a call today if you are having any of the problems listed above. These problems are signs that your automobile needs a new catalytic converter installed. We can do that here at our shop.
