Driving with an impaired catalytic converter won’t necessarily cause damage;
however, most cases will do significant harm and make the vehicle less safe to
operate. Furthermore, in many states driving without one may be illegal.
Common symptoms of a failing converter include an illuminated check engine light
and reduced acceleration power. You might also hear or see rattles when shaking it.
1. It’s Not Safe
Though your vehicle might still run without a catalytic converter, you are likely to
experience lower gas mileage and other issues. Furthermore, disabling this
emissions control device would likely put you in violation of state pollution laws and
be illegal.
Clogged cats trap exhaust, making it harder for the engine to burn fuel correctly and
leading to decreased gas mileage and lack of power when you accelerate. They may
even misfire or fail altogether, leaving your catalytic converter vulnerable and
rendering its services obsolete.
If your catalytic converter malfunctions, your car could emit significantly more
carbon monoxide than is permissible and fail any state emissions inspections – this
can even be lethal in enclosed spaces! Other symptoms of a bad cat include an
illuminated check engine light or rattles from underneath your vehicle – these should
all be seen as warnings that should be dealt with as soon as possible.
2. It’s Bad for the Environment
Catalytic converter failure usually results from carbon buildup and internal blockage,
leading to reduced exhaust flow through your engine’s oxygen sensors and failing
emissions tests. You may also detect an unpleasant sulfur smell as well as your
check engine light being illuminated.
OBD scanners can help you test your catalytic converter by scanning for P0420
codes. If your fuel consumption increases despite driving normally, this could
indicate that something is wrong with the catalytic converter; you could experience
power issues when accelerating, as well as loud and rattling noises coming from
under your car.
Driving with an inoperable or missing catalytic converter is both illegal and
detrimental to the environment, so if your vehicle needs repair, be sure to contact a
reputable auto shop as soon as possible in order to prevent costly repairs or
penalties from smog inspections.
3. It’s Bad for Your Health
Driving a car with an ineffective catalytic converter is not only illegal, but can put
both you and your health at risk. Although only a relatively minor component of your
exhaust system, catalytic converters play an integral role in keeping vehicles safe to
operate.
This metal canister’s purpose is to reduce or eliminate emissions of toxic gases by
chemically transforming them into less-toxic compounds, helping ensure that fuel is
burned correctly without issues like engine knocking or backfiring occurring.
If your catalytic converter malfunctions, fumes could remain trapped within the
combustion chamber and overheat your engine, becoming both hazardous to drivers
as well as potentially damaging other components in your car’s engine.
If you detect a foul rotten egg smell, reduced acceleration power or excess fumes
when driving your vehicle, this could be a telltale sign that your catalytic converter
has gone bad and should be treated immediately! Don’t ignore these warning signs
as they will only worsen with time!
4. It’s Bad for Your Car
Just like an injured football player wouldn’t play with an injured arm, you shouldn’t
drive your vehicle with a nonfunctional catalytic converter. Driving such a car could
cause misfires to your engine that waste more fuel resulting in reduced gas mileage
and power during acceleration.
Failing an emissions test can cost thousands in fines; failure is therefore essential in
many states.
Your catalytic converter’s failure may be indicated by a sulfur smell and dark
exhaust smoke, or other telltale signs like reduced gas mileage and performance or
rattle-y sounds from under your car. When these symptoms emerge, seek medical
attention immediately! A licensed mechanic can inspect its condition and
recommend the best course of action to address it for your unique circumstances.