The first thing you should do if your catalytic converter has been stolen is contact the authorities. Next, call your auto insurance company to report the theft. Finally, bring your vehicle to Clark’s Car Care so we can install a new catalytic converter and check to make sure your exhaust system was not damaged when your catalytic converter was taken. The following are signs that your catalytic converter has been stolen.
Roaring/Loud Engine
Your engine will roar loudly when you start it if you do not have a catalytic converter underneath your car, truck, or utility vehicle. The catalytic converter is not a muffler, but it does help to muffle the engine and exhaust noise. Consequently, when it has been removed, your engine will be much louder than normal and make loud roaring sounds, especially when you accelerate.
Acceleration Problems
Speaking of acceleration, your acceleration will sputter and get jerky when the catalytic converter is missing. This is because the catalytic converter is not there to absorb the force the engine exerts when it pushes the exhaust into the converter.
Low-End Torque Reduction
You will also start to have problems driving at slower speeds because your low-end torque production has been reduced. A missing catalytic converter affects your engine’s ability to produce power when you drive slowly. Consequently, your engine will perform poorly until you pick up enough speed that it is using its high-end torque production.
Excess Exhaust Odors
Because the catalytic converter is missing, the exhaust has nowhere to go other than to float around your automobile. Consequently, you will have excess exhaust odors coming into the passenger cabin. This can make driving your vehicle dangerous, and we will explain why below. Pull over and stop driving your vehicle if you can smell the exhaust.
High Emissions Levels
A stolen catalytic converter also increases the emissions in your vehicle’s exhaust because it is no longer there to treat the exhaust. Consequently, there will be increased hydrocarbons that will make your vehicle fail an emissions test if it is required to take one.
Feeling Sick/Headache
These excess hydrocarbons include carbon monoxide. This is why you need to stop driving your automobile if you can smell the exhaust. If you start to feel sick or get a headache, pull over, cut the engine, and call for a tow to our shop.
Clark’s Car Care in Naperville, IL, can help if your catalytic converter has been stolen. Call us today.