If you drive an older car, truck, or utility vehicle, Dad’s Automotive advises that there will come a time sooner rather than later when the vehicle needs a new catalytic converter. The catalytic converter treats the engine’s exhaust to make sure it is safe to be released into the environment. On average, the converter will last about 10 years. The following are signs that the catalytic converter is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced.
1. Performance Problems
One of the first things that will happen is your car will begin to have engine performance problems. Generally, the catalytic converter gets clogged after years of treating engine exhaust. When this happens, the exhaust has nowhere to go and stays in the combustion chamber. Unfortunately, this affects your engine’s ability to generate combustion and it will sputter and lag.
2. Reduced Gas Mileage
Naturally, when the engine is unable to produce combustion efficiently, it will burn through the fuel more quickly. Unfortunately, you will notice a reduction in your vehicle’s overall gas mileage. This can be frustrating, as it’s expensive to fill the tank more often than normal. Replacing the clogged catalytic converter will restore the engine’s performance because the exhaust will be released out of the tailpipe.
3. Dark Engine Exhaust
One sign that the catalytic converter is malfunctioning is dark exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe. This is an indication that the exhaust has not been treated for the environment. If the catalytic converter is clogged, it will be unable to remove the hydrocarbons from the exhaust. Consequently, you will end up with dark engine exhaust exiting the tailpipe.
4. Strange Exhaust Smells
The exhaust may also smell strange; like rotten eggs. If this is the case, the catalytic converter is being clogged by sulfur deposits and the hot exhaust is burning them away. You may also smell this disgusting odor coming out from underneath your automobile and in the engine bay. This is definitely a sign that you need to replace the catalytic converter as soon as possible.
5. Excess Heat Production
Finally, when the catalytic converter is going bad, it produces excess heat underneath your automobile. You may not be aware of the heat initially, but it will rise into the engine eventually and start to overheat the engine. You will definitely be aware of that.
Dad’s Automotive in New Era, MI, is happy to replace your catalytic converter if it is clogged and malfunctioning. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
