Depending on how long you keep your car, truck, or utility vehicle, you may never need the catalytic converter replaced. This exhaust system part lasts a decade. You get rid of your car before 10 years is up, you may never experience any of the problems we are going to list below. Clark’s Car Care advises that the following four signs are an indication that the catalytic converter in your automobile is going bad. It’s important to replace this malfunctioning part as soon as possible. Here’s why.
Acceleration and Engine Performance Problems
The catalytic converter treats the harmful toxins in your vehicle’s exhaust so they are safe to be released out of the tailpipe. Over time, the catalytic converter can get clogged by carbon deposits. When this happens, the exhaust is unable to exit the combustion chamber and head out of the vehicle. Consequently, the chamber fills with the exhaust and fresh air and fuel are unable to be ignited. When this happens, you will notice a significant lag in your vehicle’s acceleration and engine performance.
Burning Sulfur Odors That Smell Like Rotten Eggs
You will also detect rotten egg odors coming from your automobile. Specifically, these odors are the result of burning sulfur. Oftentimes, your vehicle’s exhaust fills with these odors when the catalytic converter is going bad. The odors can also waft from the engine bay and from underneath your vehicle. The reason why the odors waft from underneath your vehicle is that this is where the catalytic converter is located. Its location plays a role in the various signs that it’s malfunctioning.
Dark Exhaust Smoke Flowing out of the Tailpipe
If the catalytic converter isn’t treating your vehicle’s exhaust and you end up with the rotten egg smells, you might also end up with black exhaust coming out of your tailpipe. This is an indication that the exhaust has not been purified by the catalytic converter. Unfortunately, your vehicle’s exhaust will be filled with emissions that will cause it to fail any emissions test if you live in a state that conducts them.
Excessive Heat Coming From Underneath Your Car
Finally, a faulty catalytic converter will overheat, and, as a consequence, you will end up with a ton of heat seeping out from underneath your vehicle. In many cases, this excess heat will also cause your engine to overheat until you get the malfunctioning catalytic converter replaced.
Don’t worry. Clark’s Car Care in Naperville, IL, can help. Call us today to schedule an appointment.