Without the catalytic converter, the dangerous toxins in your vehicle’s exhaust would be released into the environment. The catalytic converter converts these toxins into emissions that are safe enough to be released. Boulevard Auto Repair advises that the average lifespan of the catalytic converter is 10 years. After this duration, the converter is more likely to malfunction or get clogged. Unfortunately, the catalytic converter cannot be repaired. When there is a problem, it must be replaced. Here are signs that your automobile’s catalytic converter is going bad and needs to be replaced.
Acceleration and Engine Trouble
The catalytic converter treats the exhaust before it is released out of the tailpipe. If the catalytic converter gets clogged, the exhaust will build up behind it. Unfortunately, this will prevent the exhaust from being cleared out of the combustion chamber completely. The leftover exhaust in the combustion chamber will impede engine combustion. Consequently, you will end up with acceleration and engine performance problems. Specifically, your engine will sputter and struggle to run.
Dark Engine Exhaust Smoke
When the exhaust is taking over the combustion chamber, the engine control module might think that the chamber needs more fuel to improve your engine performance. Unfortunately, it might add fuel to the combustion chamber that isn’t necessary. As this fuel is burned, you will see black exhaust smoke flowing out of your tailpipe. This can also be a sign that the exhaust has not been treated by the catalytic converter and your vehicle is releasing toxic engine exhaust.
Burning Sulfur Odors (Rotten Eggs)
The catalytic converter will release burning sulfur odors in the exhaust when it is going bad. Burning sulfur has the unpleasant odor of rotten eggs. You will smell this in the exhaust as we just mentioned, but you might also smell it in your engine bay and underneath your car, truck, or utility vehicle. The only other auto part that can smell like rotten eggs is the battery if it is leaking. You will only detect the odor around the battery if this is the case.
Extreme Heat Under the Vehicle
Finally, when the catalytic converter malfunctions it overheats. This leaves you with excessive heat underneath your car, truck, or utility vehicle. As you know, heat rises. Consequently, the overheating catalytic converter will cause your engine to overheat, as well.
Call Boulevard Auto Repair in Sherman Oaks, CA, today if you suspect your catalytic converter is going bad. It’s important to replace this faulty part as soon as possible.