Call the closest Urb’s Garage today if you are having any of the problems listed below with your car, truck, or utility vehicle. These problems are signs that the catalytic converter has gone bad and is no longer able to treat your vehicle’s exhaust. This will cause your automobile to fail an emissions test if you live in a state that requires them. We will replace your catalytic converter if it needs it, which is usually every 10 years.
Poor Engine Performance
Over time, the catalytic converter gets clogged with the very hydrocarbons that it treats. Sulfur and carbon will build up on the catalytic converter’s honeycomb surface. When this happens, the engine’s exhaust can back up into the combustion chamber and affect combustion production. Consequently, you will start to have engine performance issues such as lagging and sputtering.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency
These issues will reduce your fuel efficiency and you will need to head to the service station more often to keep your fuel tank full. This is frustrating if you are living on a tight budget and can only buy gasoline or diesel fuel at certain times. Replacing the catalytic converter will prevent the exhaust from backing into the combustion chamber and restore your fuel economy.
Black Exhaust Smoke
You may also see black exhaust smoke flowing out of your vehicle’s tailpipe if the catalytic converter is malfunctioning. This is a sign that the exhaust is exiting the vehicle untreated. It can also be a sign that the engine is burning excess fuel in an effort to produce power.
Rancid-Smelling Exhaust
One thing that points directly to the catalytic converter is exhaust that smells like rotten eggs. This rancid odor is being caused by hot exhaust flowing over the sulfur deposits inside the converter. Replacing the catalytic converter will remove the odor in your exhaust.
Excessive Heat Production
A catalytic converter will also produce excessive heat when it is going bad. This can cause your engine to overheat because the heat will infiltrate it. The catalytic converter is located underneath your automobile, and, consequently, the excess heat rises.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, all of the above may cause the check engine light to turn on. System sensors will alert the engine control unit that there is a problem with how the engine is performing. The unit will turn on the check engine light because it cannot replace the catalytic converter.
Again, call Urb’s Garage in Burlington or Erlanger, KY, today if your vehicle is having any of the problems listed above.
