On average, the factory-installed catalytic converter will last for 10 years, even if you drive well over 100,000 miles during that decade. Once the catalytic converter goes bad, however, you will have to replace it. York Tire & Auto Service advises that the catalytic converter cannot be repaired. Rather the factory-installed converter will need to be replaced with a new one once it malfunctions. Here are signs that the catalytic converter in your car, truck, or utility vehicle needs to be replaced.
Reduced Vehicle Acceleration
The catalytic converter converts harmful emissions before they are released into the environment. This exhaust system part is crucial to keeping your vehicle’s exhaust under the emissions level limits. The most common thing that can go wrong with the catalytic converter is it can get clogged by carbon deposits. When this happens, you may notice a reduction in your vehicle’s acceleration because the exhaust is not flowing through the catalytic converter and exiting out of the tailpipe.
Reduced Engine Performance
This problem will also reduce your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s engine performance. Unfortunately, the engine needs the exhaust to flow out of the tailpipe regularly in order to maintain proper combustion. When the combustion is affected, your engine will hiccup and sputter. In severe cases, your engine might even install, especially when you are sitting at an idle. Replacing the catalytic converter restores the exhaust flow and improves your engine’s performance.
Black Engine Exhaust Smoke
The excess exhaust accumulating in the engine can affect the mixture of fuel and air that is found in the combustion chamber. When this mixture becomes rich, i.e., has too much fuel in it, the engine burns the excess fuel away. As a consequence, you will see black exhaust smoke flowing out of your tailpipe. This imbalance can be caused by a faulty catalytic converter. The malfunctioning converter may also be unable to treat the exhaust.
Rotten Egg Exhaust Smell
A definite sign that your catalytic converter is going bad is a rotten egg exhaust smell. You might also smell the rotten eggs in your engine and underneath your automobile. The only other auto part that will release the smell is a battery that is leaking sulfuric acid.
Excessive Undercarriage Heat
Finally, a dying catalytic converter will release too much heat underneath your vehicle. This heat will rise into the engine and cause it to run too hot, as well. You will continue to have overheating problems until you replace the catalytic converter with a new one.
We can do that here at York Tire & Auto Service in Red Lion, PA, so give us a call today.
