The catalytic converter is a crucial part of your vehicle’s exhaust system. It converts the carbon monoxide released in your engine’s exhaust to carbon dioxide before it exits the tailpipe. The catalytic converter can get clogged over time and, consequently, it can go bad and need to be replaced. Hightech Automotive is going to list five signs that your catalytic converter is bad below.
Acceleration Lag
If the catalytic converter is clogged, the exhaust will back up into the combustion chamber, and this will make your acceleration lag. The reason the exhaust is drawn out of the combustion chamber is to make more room for continued combustion. If the chamber is filled with exhaust, there isn’t room for fresh air and fuel. Consequently, your acceleration will get sluggish and nonresponsive.
Sluggish Engine
The same will happen to your engine. You will notice that it struggles to run and maintain higher speeds. This is because the combustion chamber needs more air and fuel to support the higher speeds. Unfortunately, you will continue to have engine problems until such time as you get your catalytic converter replaced.
Black Exhaust
You may also notice black exhaust coming out of your tailpipe. When the catalytic converter has gone bad, it can indirectly affect the balance of air and fuel in the combustion chamber. If there is too much fuel in the chamber, this rich mixture will cause puffs of black exhaust to flow out of your tailpipe. In severe conditions, you will see a constant flow of black exhaust.
Excessive Heat
A catalytic converter that has gone bad will also cause excessive heat underneath your automobile. Consequently, this will cause your engine to overheat. Unfortunately, in order to restore your engine’s normal temperature, you will need to replace the malfunctioning catalytic converter. If you continue to drive with an overheating engine, you risk damaging it severely.
Rotten Egg Smell
Finally, a clogged catalytic converter will cause sulfur to back up into your engine and, consequently, you will smell rotten eggs. You may also smell the rotten eggs in your vehicle’s exhaust. This odor definitely points to a problem with the catalytic converter rather than an issue with another exhaust system part. The only other time you might smell rotten eggs is if your battery is leaking.
Hightech Automotive in Forest City, NC, can inspect your catalytic converter to see if it is clogged and needs to be replaced. Call us today to set up an appointment.