Your Catalytic Converter Might Not Need To Be Replaced

If you have a bad or clogged catalytic converter, you will want to have it addressed as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could potentially ruin your engine. However, to know that your engine needs to be repaired in the first place, you'll need to know the warning signs of a damaged catalytic converter. 

When Your Catalytic Converter Has Problems

You may notice that your car is not generating as much power as it could in the past. Your car might have a hard time starting or might accelerate poorly. This is because your engine is being suffocated, as it is not able to exhale properly. 

You might also notice a:

• Rotten egg smell
• Rattling noise
• Discolored or warped housing

Your car might fail its emissions test. While many catalytic converters are replaced when they become defective, an auto mechanic may be able to repair the catalytic converter instead.

Clogged Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters are designed to operate at a particular temperature, and operating at a high enough temperature can burn residue off of the unit. However, many drivers simply do not push their cars hard enough to burn off the excess residue. As a result, this can lead to the catalytic converter becoming clogged, and a repair technician can easily clean it.

Using less expensive fuel can sometimes lead to a catalytic converter becoming clogged. Using a different fuel or a fuel additive can often allow you to avoid the issue of a clogged catalytic converter. 

Cleaning the Catalytic Converter

An auto repair technician can remove and thoroughly clean your catalytic converter. This is a great idea because catalytic converters are very expensive, since they use precious metals, and replacing one can cost you thousands of dollars.

The Problem Might Not Be the Catalytic Converter

Sometimes, a faulty oxygen sensor might detect that the catalytic converter is faulty when it is actually functioning properly. Therefore, you will always want your car to be inspected by an auto mechanic to determine if the sensor should be replaced.

There might also be an engine problem that could eventually lead to a problem with your catalytic converter. If your engine is misfiring, the fuel trip is running too rich, or your coolant is burning, each of these issues could eventually damage your catalytic converter. For this reason, if you notice anything wrong with your vehicle, you will want the problem diagnosed by an auto repair technician as soon as possible.

For more information about auto repair, contact a local professional.