Enhance vehicle safety by maintaining your catalytic converter.
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 …
The catalytic converter sits near the end of your vehicle’s exhaust system and uses chemical reactions to convert harmful gases to less hazardous emissions. Unfortunately, thieves often target catalytic converters because they contain precious metals like platinum, rhodium and palladium that make it an attractive target. Bad catalysts can produce various symptoms such as an unpleasant odor, decreased fuel economy …
If your catalytic converter is partially blocked, you may still be able to drive your vehicle; however, doing so could damage both your engine and cause failure of emissions testing. Catalytic converters sit near the tailpipe in your exhaust system and convert harmful gases to less-hazardous ones via chemical reactions. Although reliable parts, catalytic converters eventually wear out over time. …
Driving with a damaged catalytic converter can be dangerous, though legal. Any attempts at removal or modification will increase back pressure that robs power from your engine and can damage its performance. If your engine has become sluggish or you notice check engine light illuminated or noise from underneath your car is audible, it may be time for a converter …
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 …