Catalytic converters wear out over time and, when completely compromised, can
become unsafe. However, if they become just clogged up you should still be able to
safely drive with it.
Faulty converters will increase emissions and lower gas mileage, potentially forcing
your car to fail emissions testing.
Rattling Noises
Rattling noises under your car are one of the telltale signs that your catalytic
converter has started malfunctioning. A catalytic converter’s honeycomb-shaped
core transforms unburned gases and compounds into less toxic elements; but this
process wears down its material, leading it to break apart and rattle when your
vehicle starts up. You might hear this rattle more clearly during startup.
Over time, a worn-out or damaged catalytic converter can limit air flow from your
engine to the rest of the exhaust system, forcing it to work harder or even cause
your engine to shut off altogether. In such an instance, engine performance could
suffer considerably and even stop altogether in extreme cases.
Avoiding the problems associated with a broken catalytic converter by following
your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule is key to keeping
emissions and exhaust systems functioning optimally. If you notice decreased gas
mileage, rattling noises or an illuminated Check Engine light, make an appointment
immediately with an auto repair shop for service.
Loss of Power
An improper catalytic converter can lead to power loss when driving. If unburnt fuel
enters your exhaust system, it could overheat and melt the catalyst completely
resulting in significant power reduction when driving.
If you experience sudden power reduction when accelerating or driving uphill, this
could be caused by a malfunctioning catalytic converter. A clogged converter may
create back pressure that makes your vehicle shake or even stop, creating
backpressure that causes shaking and even stalling of your car.
Catalytic converter problems can often manifest themselves through lower gas
mileage. When your engine works harder to drive, more fuel is used up which in turn
decreases gas mileage over time. If you find yourself filling your tank up more
frequently than usual it could be an indicator that the catalytic converter has
become blocked or plugged – in which case immediate action needs to be taken to
replace it or else risk failing an emissions test and being denied registration of your vehicle.
Check Engine Light
One easy way to recognize whether or not your catalytic converter is functioning
improperly is if your check engine light illuminates. While this could indicate any
number of issues, clogged converters tend to trap gases in your vehicle instead of
releasing them as intended, leading to buildups of pressure that cause rattle noises
upon starting up or even cause it stall out altogether.
If your check engine light comes on, it is crucial that it gets checked as quickly as
possible. A defective converter could end up damaging other parts of your vehicle as
well as decrease gas mileage.
A catalytic converter is a metal canister at the end of your exhaust system that uses
chemical reactions to convert harmful gasses into less hazardous ones, helping
reduce your carbon footprint while making driving more pleasurable. When its
functioning becomes compromised, however, you will notice symptoms like reduced
acceleration power and fuel vapor emissions.
Reduced Gas Mileage
Since 1975, cars have utilized catalytic converters to reduce engine exhaust
pollutants. These small devices–about the size of a loaf of bread–recover noxious
hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides via chemical reactions into less
harmful elements like carbon dioxide, water and oxygen.
Over time, the metal honeycomb inside a converter may become damaged from
physical impact from off-roading or road debris striking your vehicle’s undercarriage.
Potholes, side curbs and speed bumps may also fracture it into smaller pieces
reducing flow while increasing heat build-up that damages other components in your exhaust system.
An ineffective converter can result in poor fuel economy. When driving long
distances or heavy highway traffic, your mileage may drop significantly and
replacement becomes essential to passing emissions tests during smog inspections.