Catalytic converters are an essential element of every car’s exhaust system. By
converting harmful emissions to water vapour and carbon dioxide, these catalytic
converters help mitigate harmful emissions that pollute our environment while
protecting against costly engine damage.
Catalytic converters use precious metals like palladium, rhodium and platinum in its
honeycomb structure to act as an oxidation catalyst; over time however, these will
eventually wear away.
1. The Catalytic Converter Is Clogged
Your car’s catalytic converter converts harmful gases into less toxic ones, ensuring
the exhaust from its engine remains as pure as possible. If you notice that your
converter isn’t performing as intended, there may be an obstruction somewhere in
its system which prevents proper filtering of exhaust fumes which then lead to
hydrogen sulfide fumes not having been converted and cause an unpleasant odor as
well as decreased fuel efficiency.
If your catalytic converter is clogged, there may be several telltale signs that can
signal its failure. Reduced fuel efficiency, poor acceleration or an engine-rumbling
rattling may all indicate it. A blocked catalytic converter also prevents air and fuel
from reaching the combustion chambers effectively causing other engine
complications as well as possibly stopping starting altogether!
2. The Catalytic Converter Is Broken
Clogged catalytic converters will cause exhaust to stay inside the engine instead of
exiting into the atmosphere, where it can become trapped and cause fumes to build
up, creating an unpleasant stench while potentially decreasing performance and
power output of your engine. A malfunction can also reduce overall engine power
levels.
Signs of a bad catalytic converter include decreased fuel mileage. Since restricting
air flow through your engine necessitates that more work be put in to make up for
its limited volume. If your gas mileage seems to have taken an unexpected decline,
suspect that the catalytic converter might be to blame.
Over time, catalytic converters can wear out and become clogged due to numerous
reasons – leaded fuel use, oil or coolant leaks, engine misfires or road debris damage
among them – as well as fuel additives limiting effectiveness. A catalytic converter
typically lasts 100,000 miles.
3. The Catalytic Converter Is Damaged
If your catalytic converter is broken, it cannot perform its original task of changing
hydrocarbons into safer elements. Catalytic converters may become damaged
through engine misfires and failing oxygen sensors; when these issues arise,
unburnt fuel enters the exhaust system and is ignited by its catalytic converter
causing it to overheat and overpower itself.
Catalytic converters in vehicles contain honeycomb-shaped structures made of
precious metals like platinum, rhodium and palladium that make them highly
desirable targets for thieves due to their value. Unfortunately they’re also
susceptible to being damaged from road debris and runs over curbs which makes
them particularly susceptible to theft and can become damaged over time.
If your catalytic converter is damaged, you may notice decreased performance and
an unpleasant rotten egg-like aroma. Other symptoms might include rattling noises
under your car as well as dark exhaust smoke during acceleration or idle speed –
these signs should alert you that a repair shop should be sought immediately.
4. The Catalytic Converter Is Broken
An improperly functioning catalytic converter will lead to your vehicle emitting more
emissions. Your converter works together with other parts to maintain an ideal air-to-fuel ratio in your engine’s combustion chamber and ensure spark plug firing
properly as well as complete burning of all gasses in the combustion chamber.
However, when your converter breaks, acceleration may become difficult causing
some hesitation before finally taking place jolt forward again.
Rattling sounds are another telltale sign of a broken catalytic converter, usually
caused by its honeycomb mesh interior unraveling and falling out. Other
contaminants, including unburnt fuel due to misfires and bypassed coolant from
blown head gaskets, may also contribute to its failure and cause it to break apart
prematurely.