By now, you're probably wondering what a catalytic converter does.
A catalytic converter helps to reduce harmful emissions from your car's engine. A faulty catalytic converter poses a significant disadvantage to the efficiency and performance of your vehicle.
This article will discuss how a catalytic converter works and the symptoms of a faulty catalytic converter.
How do Catalytic converters work?
A catalytic converter uses a chemical reaction to convert harmful exhaust emissions like Carbon monoxide into less toxic substances.
Inside the catalytic converter, a thin metal layer acts as a catalyst made from precious metals like platinum and palladium. When exhaust gases pass through the metals, a chemical reaction breaks down the harmful emissions into less toxic substances.
The catalytic converter is found underneath the vehicle toward the exhaust outlet and is designed to withstand high temperatures from the engine.
Various symptoms arise considering the catalytic converters' role in a vehicle's exhaust system. Keep an eye out for these signs.
Symptoms of a faulty catalytic converter
Illuminated Check Engine lights
Triggering the check engine light on your dashboard is one of the first signs that something is wrong with your vehicle's catalytic converter.
The oxygen sensors in modern vehicles monitor the efficiency of the catalytic converter. If it detects a fault, it will illuminate the check engine light.
Difficulty starting your engine
A clogged catalytic converter will make it difficult for your engine to start resulting in excessive exhaust back pressure. This excess exhaust pressure causes the engine to stall during startup.
A badly clogged catalytic converter can result in your engine not starting.
Reduced fuel efficiency
Have you noticed a drop in your gas mileage or your car's fuel tank emptying more quickly than usual?
The decrease in fuel efficiency is caused by the engine having to work harder to produce the same amount of power.
The sulfur smell from the exhaust
A failing catalytic converter will produce a rotten egg-like smell from the exhaust, sometimes significant by a black sooty substance around the tailpipe.
Failed emissions test
A leaky or faulty catalytic converter will produce higher than regular emissions readings during an emissions test.
What to Do If You Think You Have a Faulty Catalytic Converter
Replacing is the only way to fix a faulty catalytic converter, as repairs are impossible.
The cost of a catalytic converter will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, but it can be pretty expensive.
If you need catalytic converter repair, call River City Tire & Automotive today.