People who drive older automobiles eventually need to worry about the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system, and it lasts about 10 years. Without a catalytic converter, your vehicle would release harmful emissions into the environment. Moose Jock Truck Shop advises that the catalytic converter treats harmful emissions so they are safe to flow out of the tailpipe. Here are signs that your catalytic converter is going bad and needs to be replaced.
A Reduction in Acceleration
It’s common for an older catalytic converter to get clogged. Carbon deposits build up from all of the hydrocarbons that the converter treats. Once the converter is clogged, the exhaust will have nowhere to go other than back into the combustion chamber. This prevents engine combustion and reduces your vehicle’s acceleration.
Reduced Engine Performance
Exhaust in the combustion chamber will also reduce your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s engine performance. You will notice that the engine performance lags and the engine sputters, especially when you are driving at higher speeds.
Reduced Fuel Economy
Unfortunately, the problems with the vehicle’s acceleration and engine performance will reduce the overall fuel economy. You will find yourself heading to the petrol station more often to fill the tank because the engine is burning through the fuel quickly.
Dark Exhaust That Smells
Another sign that your catalytic converter is going bad is dark exhaust smoke that smells like rotten eggs. Even if the exhaust is still clear, it should not smell like rotten eggs. This unpleasant odor is a sign that the catalytic converter is burning sulfur. Dark exhaust smoke is a sign that the exhaust has not been treated or that there is too much fuel in the combustion chamber.
Undercarriage Heat
A faulty catalytic converter will also produce too much heat underneath your automobile. You will notice the excess heat under the car and in the engine. As the heat rises, it will increase your engine’s temperature until it overheats.
Illuminated Check Engine Light
Finally, all of these symptoms of a bad catalytic converter will illuminate the check engine light on the dashboard because the engine is not operating as it should be. It’s important that you take a check engine warning seriously. It is extremely rare for the check engine light to turn on without anything being wrong.
Moose Jaw Truck Shop is the best auto service shop in Moose Jaw, SK, so call us today to set up a service appointment for a catalytic converter check if your vehicle is experiencing any of the problems listed above.
