As well as ensuring that over 90% of the harmful emissions in your car are turned into safer compounds, your catalytic converter is also responsible for the smooth running of your engine and the enjoyment you get from the drive.
Inefficient Engine Performance
The converter, also known as the “cat,” breaks down the chemicals produced when combustion takes place in the engine cylinders. If it’s clogged or broken, it becomes difficult for air to flow smoothly through the engine. This will result in an unbalanced fuel-air mix and the likelihood of unburnt fuel escaping into the exhaust system. In turn, this undermines your engine’s efficiency and performance.
Decreased Power
If the converter is clogged and the flow of exhaust gases is restricted, your car will become less powerful and will struggle to accelerate. If you notice a sluggish response when you push down the gas pedal, the cat could be the culprit.
Poor Fuel Efficiency
If the mixture of gas and air in the cylinders is fuel-rich, you could end up with petrol escaping into the exhaust system. This means that it goes to waste, and you’ll find that you’re getting fewer miles to the gallon. If you notice that you’re spending more at the gas pump, it could be worth getting the converter checked out.
Compromised Driving Experience
A healthy converter improves the quality of your driving experience. But you may find that faults or breakages come with intrusive symptoms that will make your drive less fun.
Horrible Smells
A functioning converter will catalyze the hydrogen sulfide in fuel into odorless sulfur dioxide. However, a faulty cat will allow unburnt fuel into the exhaust system and this may have a strong sulfuric smell, like rotten eggs.
Black Smoke
Another symptom of converter problems is thick black smoke from the exhaust pipe or a strong smell of burning throughout the car.
Rattling Noises
A converter has a porous surface, rather like a honeycomb, covered in precious metals like palladium to catalyze the fumes. This can be broken by a sharp knock or blow, and pieces may start to break off. If you hear a rattling noise underneath the car, it could indicate that the converter needs attention.
A converter can last for over ten years, or 100,000 miles, so it’s possible that you’ll never need to replace it. But a faulty cat will undermine your car’s function and your comfort on the journey and might lead to further damage to other components of your car. If you suspect that your car is suffering from this or any other maintenance problem, schedule an appointment at Hansen Motors of Brigham City for convenient and straightforward solutions.
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