If you don’t plan on keeping your car for more than ten years, you may never have to worry about the catalytic converter. Ten years is the typical life expectancy of this exhaust system component. If you drive an older car and experience any of the problems listed below, it is possible that the catalytic converter has failed, according to Aero Auto Repair. When it comes to this vehicle component, it needs to be replaced. The catalytic converter, in most cases, cannot be repaired due to its design.
Check Engine Light
If your check engine light has come on and will not go away, it could be a sign that your catalytic converter is failing. There is no catalytic converter light on the dashboard of your car, truck, or utility vehicle. As a result, the check engine light is intended to alert you to issues with your catalytic converter.
Poor Performance
You may notice that your engine’s performance has become sluggish in addition to the check engine light. This could be an indication of a clogged catalytic converter. The exhaust will not be able to pass through the converter and out the tailpipe as a result of this. Rather, the exhaust will collect in the combustion chamber, preventing the engine from starting. Your engine’s performance will suffer as a result.
Poor Acceleration
It will also cause a lag in your acceleration. The combustion chamber must be clear in order for the spark plugs to ignite fresh fuel and air. It will be more difficult to get your vehicle to pick up speed if it is polluted with exhaust, no matter how hard you press down on the accelerator.
Black Exhaust Smoke
A clogged combustion chamber can also result in black exhaust being ejected from the tailpipe. The balance of fuel and air in the chamber can be affected by a malfunctioning catalytic converter. As a result, when the mixture becomes too rich in fuel, black exhaust smoke is produced.
Strange Odor
Your exhaust should never smell like rotten eggs, whether it is black or clear. If this is the case, your catalytic converter is most likely broken. A faulty catalytic converter will not be able to properly treat the exhaust. As a result, excess hydrocarbons will be released into the environment.
Hot Undercarriage
A faulty catalytic converter also causes your car’s undercarriage to become too hot. Your engine may overheat as a result of too much heat beneath your car, truck, or utility vehicle, even if you are unaware of it.
Auto Maintenance in La Mesa
Many car owners become overwhelmed when a problem arises with their vehicle, and for good reason. We depend on our cars to get where we are going, and we need to make sure it stays in good shape. For many years, Automobile Repair Shop San Diego has provided high-quality auto repair in La Mesa. Call (619) 330-0862 right away to learn more about how we can help you with your auto maintenance.