You can expect to get about 10 years out of your vehicle’s factory-installed catalytic converter. After this time, most catalytic converters get clogged by carbon and sulfur deposits, and, as such, they need to be replaced. The Shop Tire and Service Center can replace your catalytic converter when it needs it. We are going to list the signs of the faulty catalytic converter below for your information.
Sluggish Engine Performance
As we mentioned above, the catalytic converter gets clogged over time by the hydrocarbons it converts in your vehicle’s exhaust so the exhaust is safe to be released out of the tailpipe. Unfortunately, the more clogged the catalytic converter gets the more exhaust backs up into the combustion chamber. This will affect your engine’s performance and acceleration. Both will become sluggish because the combustion chamber cannot generate fresh combustion due to the exhaust presence.
Reduced Fuel Economy
A sluggish engine works harder to produce power, and, as such, it will burn through gasoline or diesel fuel quickly. Unfortunately, you will end up with a reduction in your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s fuel economy that will leave you filling up the tank more often.
Black Engine Exhaust
When the catalytic converter gets clogged and is malfunctioning, it is unable to treat your vehicle’s exhaust. Consequently, you will end up with black exhaust flowing out of the tailpipe. Depending on the severity of the catalytic converter’s clog, you may see the exhaust every time you drive your automobile.
Rancid Exhaust Odors
Your exhaust may also smell rancid if the catalytic converter is clogged. The specific odor is that of rotten eggs. This odor comes from burning sulfur, which is released when the hot exhaust flows over the sulfur deposits that are clogging the catalytic converter.
Excessive Undercarriage Heat
You may also have excessive heat underneath your automobile if the catalytic converter is malfunctioning. It will overheat and release a ton of heat that can make its way to your vehicle’s engine. If this happens, your engine will overheat when you drive your automobile.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, the above symptoms of a clogged catalytic converter may be accompanied by a check engine warning on your dashboard. This is because system sensors will report errors to the engine control unit and it will turn on the check engine light because it can’t fix the problem.
Call The Shop Tire and Service Center in Elk River, MN, today if you suspect that your catalytic converter needs to be replaced. We will inspect the converter and install a new one if necessary.