What Does a Catalytic Converter Do?A catalytic converter is an essential part of your vehicle's exhaust system, responsible for converting harmful chemicals and gases produced by your car's engine into less harmful ones before they are released into the atmosphere. However, over time, the converter can become clogged, causing problems for your vehicle. Here are some common symptoms of a bad catalytic converter and what you can do about it.

Why Do Catalytic Converters Cause Problems?A catalytic converter may become clogged over time due to the buildup of exhaust gases and residue. When this happens, the converter is unable to function correctly, which can lead to a range of issues. Besides being harmful to the environment, the buildup of toxic gases can also damage your engine and lead to further expenses.

What Are the Symptoms? Use Your Senses.One of the most noticeable symptoms of a bad catalytic converter is dark, thick smoke coming from your car's exhaust. The build-up of gases within the converter can cause a higher concentration of expelled gases, leading to dark smoke. Another symptom to watch for is an illuminated engine light that stays on, even after checking other common reasons for it.

Another symptom is a decrease in fuel economy. A clogged converter increases the fuel demand of your vehicle and causes a decrease in your mileage over time. Another sense to use is smell. If you smell sulfur in your car's exhaust, it may indicate a problem with the catalytic converter.

Finally, listen for misfires or a rattling sound. Gases that are not efficiently converted can cause the ignition of gases within the engine, resulting in misfires that are harmful to engine parts. A converter that has failed can also fall apart, causing loose pieces to rattle when the engine is running.

How Do I Solve a Catalytic Converter Issue?If you suspect a problem with your catalytic converter, it's essential to have it checked by a professional mechanic. A catalytic converter that is malfunctioning cannot be repaired and should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid contributing to pollution and prevent damage to your vehicle's engine. If you need catalytic converter repair, give our auto repair shop a call today!

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