Having a car is one of the most convenient things in life. Whether you are going to work, school, or out with friends, your ride is your best friend.
So, what happens when one of your parts breaks down and your car starts acting up? You have to use public transportation or get a cab, not to mention the expensive repairs. If you are not sure what is wrong with your car, then you can look out for some signs to figure out what is wrong.
To give you an idea, here are some signs to look out for that indicate your catalytic converter might need replacement.
Strange Smells
One of the easiest signs that your catalytic converter needs to be replaced is smelling a foul odor, similar to rotten eggs, coming from your car. This could be a sign of a failing catalytic converter.
Catalytic converters can help convert harmful gases into less harmful ones, but when they malfunction, they can produce sulfur-like smells. If you can smell some unusual odors, it is time to have your catalytic converter checked.
Decreased Engine Performance
If your is struggling to accelerate, then it might have a faulty catalytic converter restricting exhaust flow, leading to reduced engine performance.
Faulty catalytic converters can cause sluggish acceleration, difficulty reaching higher speeds, or even stalling. Ignoring these issues can lead to more significant problems down the road, so it’s essential to address them promptly.
Increased Emissions
A catalytic converter can reduce the harmful gases your car produces during the combustion of fuel. That is why, your car might fail an emissions test, if your catalytic converter isn’t doing its job correctly.
A failing catalytic converter can cause your vehicle to emit higher levels of pollutants like hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. If your car fails an emissions test or you notice excessive smoke coming from the exhaust, you should have your catalytic converter inspected.
Rattling Sounds
Have you heard any strange rattling noises coming from underneath your car? This could be a sign that the internal components of your catalytic converter are breaking apart.
Over time, the honeycomb-like structure inside the converter can deteriorate. That is why you might hear some rattling noises when you drive. If you hear unusual sounds, especially when accelerating or decelerating, you should have your catalytic converter checked to prevent further damage.
Check Engine Light
Another common sign that you catalytic converter is failing is your check engine light suddenly turned on.
While many issues can trigger the check engine light, a failing catalytic converter is one of them. Modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that monitor catalytic converter efficiency. If these sensors detect a problem, they will immediately trigger the check engine light to alert you.
Poor Fuel Economy
Another common sign you can notice in your vehicle if a catalytic converter is faulty is lower fuel efficiency.
If you find yourself filling up the gas tank more than usual while traveling similar distances, your catalytic converter might be the culprit.
This happens because a malfunctioning converter can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to inefficient combustion. If you notice a significant drop in fuel economy, along with the other signs, you should have your catalytic converter inspected as soon as possible.
