Does Your Car Need a New Catalytic Converter?

Your car is an essential part of your daily life, so it’s important to keep it in good shape. If you notice a problem, such as a rattle or a strange odor, contact a mechanic right away. You might have a serious problem, such as a bad catalytic converter. If you’ve noticed any of the following issues, it may be time to replace this important component.

Signs of a Bad Catalytic Converter

Check Engine Light

If this warning light appears on your dash, don’t ignore it. Many things can cause the check engine light to illuminate, including problems with your emissions system. If your check engine light comes on, schedule a service appointment as soon as possible. A mechanic can read the electronic code to identify the problem and recommend a solution.

If you have an onboard diagnostic scanner, you can read the code yourself, but there’s not much you can do with that information alone. This is because diagnostic codes are very general. A cat converter issue may cause an engine, oxygen sensor, or emissions error code. The only way to identify the specific issue is to have a qualified mechanic check it out.

Sluggish Performance

Is your car slow to accelerate? Does it seem to be consuming gas faster than normal? If you’ve noticed a decline in your vehicle’s performance, your cat converter might be the culprit.

This is often one of the earliest signs of an issue, but it is also one of the easiest to overlook, especially if the changes come on gradually. By paying close attention to your car’s performance and fuel economy and staying on top of routine maintenance, you can catch the problem before it causes more damage.

Rotten Egg Smell

A bad smell coming from your exhaust may indicate an emissions system malfunction. Normally, your vehicle converts the sulfur in gasoline to odorless sulfur dioxide. When this process isn’t working as designed, you may notice a distinctive, unpleasant odor of sulfur.

Rattling Sound

A cat converter contains a honeycomb structure that filters emissions from your vehicle. Age or damage can cause this structure to deteriorate and fall apart, causing a rattling noise. Other converter issues can lead to a rattle as well, such as residue or loose bolts.

When To Repair or Replace

Sometimes, complete replacement of the component is not necessary. If the problem is a clog, residue buildup, or a loose heat shield, your mechanic may be able to repair the issue without replacing the entire converter.

If the converter is broken, however, you need to have it replaced as soon as possible. If the honeycomb mesh breaks apart, chunks of it can lead to exhaust system blockage. This may cause your car to stall or not start.

Making time for maintenance and repairs extends the life of your vehicle. If you notice a problem or change in your car’s performance, do not wait for it to get worse. Contact Fairway Auto Center today to schedule a service appointment and keep your trusty vehicle on the road.

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