HOW TO TELL IF YOU NEED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER

Catalytic converters are major exhaust devices in automobiles used to limit emissions and rid them of harmful substances. As your vehicle ages, it can fail for a number of reasons. Nearly every vehicle has a catalytic converter. When they stop doing their job properly, you may notice the following warning symptoms. Please be on the lookout for these signs, so you know when to take your car to the catalytic converter specialists at Northrich Automotive.

1. RATTLING NOISE

Catalytic converters can be noisy when they become faulty. In some cases, they will rattle. This sound is a result of an excessive amount of sulfur lingering throughout the exhaust system. You should get this taken care of as soon as possible.

2. BLUE EXHAUST

If you notice your vehicle producing blue exhaust smoke, it should strike you as a concern. Blue smoke can be a result of too much sulfur not getting processed in the system.

3. POOR ENGINE PERFORMANCE

Your vehicle's engine performance will not be the same as it used to be when your catalytic converter was functioning. Since your car will no longer be able to convert harmful substances before expelling them out of your vehicle, it causes your engine to work harder. You'd then have to deal with a clogged catalytic converter with limited exhaust flow. As a result, you will notice a drop in acceleration and power. You may even notice hesitation with your vehicle's movements.

4. POOR FUEL MILEAGE

A faulty catalytic converter can lead to an overconsumption of gas by your engine. Since your engine will be working harder to rid of these harmful combustion by products, it will waste gas.

5. "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT ILLUMINATES

The check engine light may show up on your dashboard when the oxygen sensor within the catalytic converter experiences a short circuit problem. Your vehicle's onboard computer will pick up on this problem from the sensor and abnormal catalytic converter temperature and warn you of a potential problem for a clogged cat. 

6. SULFUR SMELL FROM EXHAUST

If your car smells like rotten eggs, it is most likely sulfur leaking from your vehicle's exhaust system. Sulfur can flow throughout the exhaust, indicating a serious leak that should be taken care of.

7. FAILED EMISSIONS TEST

Last but not least, a broken catalytic converter almost always leads to a failed vehicle emissions test. You will need to get the necessary repairs/replacement to pass the test.

All in all, a catalytic converter can go bad for many reasons, mainly after extensive usage over many years. When it does, you should find a trustworthy technician to replace the catalytic converter as soon as possible. To limit harmful emissions into the environment, please be careful and bring your car to Northrich Automotive for catalytic converter repairs today! Feel free to get us a call if you have any questions or concerns.