Catalytic converters are pieces of automotive technology used to reduce car
emissions. Their lifespan typically lasts ten years or longer, though this could be
decreased if using leaded gasoline or experiencing leakage issues with engine
cooling system due to blown head gaskets shortens its service life significantly.
Damage to the Exhaust Pipe
Your catalytic converter, located near the end of your exhaust system, takes harmful
gases like carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons produced by millions of cars driving
daily and converts them to less-harmful forms before discharging them into the
environment. This helps decrease pollution caused by millions of cars on our
roadways every day.
An impaired catalytic converter will restrict airflow through your exhaust system,
leading to engine misfires and decreased performance. You may also notice a
burning smell emanating from the tailpipe along with fuel vapor. A rattling sound
from engine area could also indicate its death.
Modern vehicles feature oxygen and air/fuel sensors that monitor the catalytic
converter and notify you if its operation becomes impaired. If your check engine
light comes on, take immediate steps such as visiting a certified mechanic for
diagnosis testing or conduct simple tests at home with an infrared thermometer to
measure temperatures of its inlet and outlet pipes.
Damage to the Muffler
An improper catalytic converter can trap exhaust in a vehicle’s engine, leading to
decreased accelerating power and jerky movements while driving. In severe cases,
such build-up could even cause it to stall completely!
An unpleasant rotten egg smell is another sure sign your catalytic converter is
malfunctioning. Fuel contains sulfur, and your catalytic converter’s job is to convert
that sulfate to hydrogen sulfide gas without emitting an offensive smell like this one.
If your vehicle emits this foul aroma, then its catalytic converter needs replacing
immediately.
Rattling noises when your car is running may also indicate a failing catalytic
converter, as this indicates the interior honeycomb material could be breaking apart
due to excessive heat or damage and creating rattles when driving your vehicle –
most noticeable upon initial start up of your car.
Excessive Emissions
Your car’s catalytic converter could be emitting excessive pollution, which could
ultimately result in its engine failing. Fuel efficiency would decrease due to the
restriction of airflow to your engine caused by its being clogged with junk; oxygen
sensors that help mix air and fuel may send wrong information back to the engine
from being blocked by debris, prompting more frequent gas tank fill-ups as a result
of its failing.
Another telltale sign that your catalytic converter is failing is when you begin
smelling an unpleasant rotten egg scent in your exhaust pipe. This odor comes from
sulfates produced when an engine burns fuel; catalytic converters’ purpose is to
transform them into an odorless and harmless gas; any rattling noises may indicate
loose pieces rattling loose in its vicinity.
Loss of Power
Clogged catalytic converters cause misfiring in your engine, as gas does not ignite
properly when reaching the spark plug and causes misfires that make your engine
feel weak and inefficient. As soon as possible this should be addressed as failure to
do so could result in your emissions test being failed as well as increased
inefficiency for driving without proper catalytic conversion.
One telltale sign of a failing catalytic converter is an immediate decrease in fuel
efficiency. The converter works together with essential car components like oxygen
sensors to ensure your engine receives an appropriate mix of air and fuel, but when
blocked or blocked-off by debris it causes back pressure in the exhaust pipe which
reduces thermal efficiency, further diminishing thermal efficiency.
Failing catalytic converters will begin making rattling noises as the honeycomb mesh
interior degrades and pieces become loose, and should not be ignored as this
condition will only worsen over time.