The catalytic converter is one of the most important parts in your vehicle’s exhaust system. The catalytic converter switches harmful emissions into ones that can be released out of the tailpipe. It keeps your emissions levels under control. Texan Auto Repair & Collision can replace your catalytic converter when it has gone bad. The following five signs point to a faulty catalytic converter that is no longer able to treat your vehicle’s exhaust.
1. High Emissions Levels
If you live in a state that requires emissions testing to register your vehicle, your car, truck, or C/SUV will fail the emissions test if the catalytic converter is unable to treat the engine’s exhaust. This is because the harmful hydrocarbons have not been converted into safe ones. You might also end up with black engine exhaust pouring out the tailpipe.
2. Acceleration and Engine Lag
The most common problem from which a catalytic converter suffers is clogs. If your vehicle’s catalytic converter is clogged, you will notice hesitation when you try to accelerate the vehicle and drive at higher speeds. This is because the exhaust is backing up into the combustion chamber rather than being released out of the tailpipe.
3. Rotten Eggs Odors in the Exhaust
The most common symptom of a faulty catalytic converter is exhaust that smells like rotten eggs. This is an indication that the catalytic converter is burning sulfur. Aside from smelling the bad eggs in your vehicle’s exhaust, you may also detect the odor in the engine and underneath the automobile.
4. Excessive Heat Under the Car
Speaking of underneath your car, truck, or utility vehicle, as it tries to treat the exhaust, the malfunctioning catalytic converter will overheat. When this happens, you will end up with extreme temperatures under the automobile. These extreme temperatures will also make the engine overheat every time you drive your vehicle.
5. Check Engine Light Warning
Finally, a clogged catalytic converter can turn on the check engine light. The dashboard warning illuminates because of the other issues discussed above. Unfortunately, your check engine light will stay on until you replace the catalytic converter, as this is the only way to resolve the above issues.
As we mentioned above, Texan Auto Repair & Collision in Sugar Land, TX, can replace a faulty or clogged catalytic converter if it needs it. If your automobile is having any of the problems discussed in this blog post, call us right away to schedule a service appointment.
