Catalytic converters are essential car components that reduce emissions from
combustion engines. Made of stainless steel with an airflow-directing structure made
up of honeycomb bricks filled with precious metals like platinum, palladium and
rhodium that assist with oxidation and reduction reactions, catalytic converters are
an essential part of today’s vehicles.
Dependent upon the severity of the damage to your catalytic converter, driving with
it may or may not be safe for both yourself and your passengers. Let’s examine
some symptoms of a bad catalytic converter.
Symptoms
Your vehicle’s catalytic converter sits near the end of its exhaust system and serves
to filter harmful gases out before they pass out of its tailpipe. But as with any
component on a car, over time it wears down and needs replacement; an ineffective
catalytic converter could lead to decreased fuel economy and performance as well
as rattle-noises and check engine light illuminates as a sign.
These indicators point out the need for car service. If you detect these warnings,
then it would be prudent to schedule an appointment with one of our mechanics
immediately.
Hydrogen Sulphide, otherwise known as sewer gas with a distinct rotten egg aroma,
may also indicate that your converter has failed. This odor occurs when its
honeycomb-like ceramic lattice breaks apart and starts rattling around in your
exhaust system, so be mindful of any noises coming from beneath your car that
might indicate this could be happening.
Fuel Efficiency
As soon as a catalytic converter starts malfunctioning, fuel efficiency will deteriorate
quickly. Fill up more frequently and your car won’t accelerate as easily; also expect
a strong smell and smoke coming from its exhaust pipe; internal fibers of catalytic
converter can burn through when your engine consumes too much oil; its
honeycomb structure could break apart into pieces that rattle around inside your car
causing havoc with performance and safety.
Catalytic converter damage may become so severe that your engine fails, prompting
immediate repairs to avoid engine failure or collision while driving long distances.
Other telltale signs of failing catalytic converters include sulfur smell, check engine
light illumination and slow performance of your car engine.
Engine Performance
A catalyst helps clean exhaust gases by changing them into less harmful gasses
before being expelled from your car’s tailpipe, thus reducing carbon emissions and
making your vehicle more eco-friendly.
As soon as your catalytic converter begins to fail, you will experience a decrease in
engine performance for your vehicle. This may manifest in reduced acceleration
power, slower engine response time and an audible rattle from under your car –
potentially prompting an illuminated Check Engine light.
Failing catalytic converters can cause your engine to run lean due to lack of oxygen,
potentially harming it and shortening its lifespan. This could further harm the
longevity of the engine itself.
However, while your car may still run even with a malfunctioning catalytic converter
installed, it is vital that it be replaced as soon as possible for safety and legality
reasons. Driving without one may be illegal in certain states while tampering with it
could harm other critical engine components – including O2 sensors that monitor
air/fuel ratios.
Safety
Near the end of your exhaust system is your catalytic converter, which converts
harmful engine emissions into more environmental-friendly elements like oxygen,
carbon dioxide and water via chemical reactions. As it wears out however, its
efficiency drops as heat sources become insufficient – leading it to eventually clog. A
blocked catalytic converter will increase back pressure in your exhaust system which
may eventually stall your engine and result in noticeable power reduction while
driving.
If your catalytic converter has been missing or destroyed, do not drive your vehicle.
Not only is this unsafe but it is against state law as well; your emissions won’t meet
emissions standards and the car won’t meet state laws if this situation exists.
Therefore, as soon as possible it should be replaced in order to prevent more
problems down the line.