Catalytic converters sit near the end of an exhaust system and convert harmful
gasses into less toxic ones through chemical reactions. While reliable, these devices
can become worn and damaged over time.
Catalytic converter problems may lead to reduced fuel economy or performance
issues with your engine, and may even make you fail your state’s emissions test.
1. You can drive it forever.
Catalytic converters are metal canisters filled with chemicals that convert emissions
from your vehicle into less harmful emissions. When this converter breaks, however,
its performance could become detrimental to engine operation as well as lead to
failed emissions tests which could result in fines or registration denial. If your
catalytic converter becomes defective it could adversely impact engine performance
as well as cause emissions tests to fail resulting in failed emissions tests – potentially
leading to citations and registration cancellation.
Driving with a malfunctioning catalytic converter is both unhealthy and costly for
your vehicle’s performance. If you notice symptoms such as poor acceleration or an
unpleasant odor, replacement should take place as soon as possible.
Clogged catalytic converters create back pressure in the exhaust system, which can
impede how well your engine performs and lead to engine overheating – potentially
endangering both you and the environment. Therefore, it’s vital that you check your
catalytic converter regularly in order to spot any potential issues early.
2. You can drive it for a while.
An impaired catalytic converter might not prevent your car from running, but its
performance could suffer significantly. Even if it has only suffered minor damage,
however, you should still be able to drive it as usual for some time after.
However, if the catalytic converter is completely blocked up you should never drive
your vehicle as this poses significant safety hazards and emissions issues in addition
to other concerns.
Although it is possible to live with a failing Catalytic Converter for some time, this
isn’t recommended and you should replace it immediately. Over time it will begin
affecting engine performance, leading to symptoms like reduced acceleration, rattle
noises from underneath your vehicle, smell of sulfur or rotten eggs coming from
exhaust, dark exhaust smoke coming out and extreme heat coming from under it –
eventually even stopping your engine altogether! Upon seeing these signs it is wise
to replace your Catalytic Converter immediately or else.
3. You can drive it for a while.
As catalytic converters typically last 10 years or more, replacing it immediately may
not be necessary. However, driving with an improperly functioning catalytic
converter will make acceleration harder while decreasing fuel economy and leading
to engine issues. Working together with other car parts like an oxygen sensor and
ECU to mix air and fuel appropriately to ignite spark plugs safely is paramount for
efficient car performance.
Clogged catalytic converters will cause engine misfiring and overfueling, leading to
poor performance and lower gas mileage. You may also begin noticing unpleasant
odors from exhaust smoke or an unusually loud and booming idle.
Drivers caught operating vehicles with fully plugged catalytic converters may face
substantial fines; it should not be difficult to identify early warning signs that your
catalytic converter may be failing.
4. You can drive it for a while.
If your catalytic converter is only partially blocked, you should still be able to drive
safely for some time with it in place. However, if other symptoms such as engine
misfiring, loss of power when accelerating, fuel vapors or dark exhaust smoke
appear then replacing it as soon as possible is advised.
Your vehicle might experience reduced power when turning, rattle-y sounds from
underneath it or slow acceleration; these are all indicators that the catalytic
converter needs replacing
Long distance driving exposes your catalytic converter to more hydrocarbons that it
needs to heat up and burn off before they build up in its exhaust pipe, potentially
leading to it being completely blocked preventing these dangerous gases from
being expelled out into the atmosphere. Over time this could result in engine failure
as well as failure of emissions tests – something which in many states is illegal.