The catalytic converter is an important part of your vehicle’s exhaust system. Trinity Auto Care advises that a healthy catalytic converter treats the exhaust to convert the harmful emissions in it. The average lifespan of the catalytic converter is 10 years. Automobiles older than this may end up needing new catalytic converters sooner rather than later. Here are the signs that your car needs a new catalytic converter. Don’t worry. We can replace the factory-installed converter with a new one.
Sluggish Engine Performance
One problem with a faulty catalytic converter is that it will affect your engine’s performance. Your engine will seem sluggish, especially when you try to accelerate. This issue is usually caused by a clogged catalytic converter that is pushing engine exhaust back into the combustion chamber.
Reduced Fuel Economy
This will reduce your car, truck, or C/SUV’s gas mileage in a bad way. You will see a reduction in the miles-per-gallon you get with each full tank. Anytime the engine struggles to run, it burns more fuel. Consequently, you won’t get the gas mileage you normally get out of your automobile.
Dark Engine Exhaust Smoke
You may also end up with dark exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe if the catalytic converter is clogged or malfunctioning. The dark color of the exhaust suggests that the catalytic converter was unable to treat it. This means you are releasing harmful emissions into the environment.
Burning Sulfur Smells
One thing that clogs a catalytic converter is sulfur deposits. These deposits build up on the honeycomb surface of the converter. Unfortunately, when scorching exhaust flows over these deposits, they release an unpleasant odor in your exhaust. This odor smells like rotten eggs. You’ll have rotten-eggy exhaust.
Excessive Heat
When the catalytic converter malfunctions, it can produce too much heat. This heat will waft from underneath your automobile. It can also find its way into the engine and overheat the engine. In fact, one sign of a faulty catalytic converter is an engine that overheats when you drive your vehicle.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, the check engine warning will turn on if the catalytic converter is going bad. This is because you’ve got all of the things we’ve listed above going on. Unfortunately, the only way to get the check engine light to turn off is to replace the malfunctioning catalytic converter with a new one.
We can do that here at Trinity Auto Care in Blaine or White Bear Lake, MN, so call us today for an auto service appointment.
