When do i change my catalytic converter

If your engine is leaking oil or other engine fluids, these fluids can enter the converter and clog it. Bad spark plugs or damaged exhaust valves can also destroy a catalytic converter. It is important to keep your engine and fuel injection system in good working condition.

There are a few things you can look for to determine if you have a damaged or clogged catalytic converter. You will also experience a noticeable drop in gas mileage and possible stalling. However, if your converter is completely clogged, your engine will quickly fail because of all of the exhaust back pressure. Send ». Chesapeake, VA.

Hampton, VA. Norfolk, VA. How Catalytic Converters Work Catalytic converters were first created to control emissions in smoke stacks, but when air pollution regulations began being implemented in the s, catalytic converters became essential components in automobiles.

Here are five signs that your catalytic converter might need to be checked out: Rattling sounds under the vehicle. This happens when a catalytic converter has been damaged. It can be the result of age or could come from the type of fuel mixtures used in the vehicle. The rattle is the result of the mesh inside the converter deteriorating, and it is more noticeable when the engine is first turned over. Check engine light comes on. Your mechanic can scan the vehicle for trouble codes to verify where the problem is.

Diminished engine performance. This is often one of the early signs of a catalytic converter going bad, so paying attention to how your car is performing is a great way to catch the problem early. Some of the first things you might notice are reduced power, slower acceleration and poor fuel economy.

Smell of sulfur from the exhaust. Gasoline contains sulfur, and during the combustion process, that becomes hydrogen sulfide, which the catalytic converter then converts into sulfur dioxide — which is completely odorless. However, when a catalytic converter is failing, it leaves unburnt fuel in the exhaust that has a smell very similar to rotten eggs.

The state of Ohio requires cars registered in qualified counties to pass an emissions test every two years, but if it has a faulty catalytic converter, that will show up during the diagnostic test. How to Avoid Catalytic Converter Problems As with all car problems, preventing them before they arise is always the best plan. Here are three ways to do that: 1. The cat converts harmful substances such as toxic carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into safe compounds like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and water.

Ideally, a catalytic converter ensures your car operates smoothly by nullifying harmful chemicals within the exhaust. Catalytic converters are designed to last for a long time. For instance, spent spark plugs and coolant leaks exhaust leaks can lead to overheating of the catalytic converter.

In other cases, soot buildup within the exhaust can interfere with the regular operation of the converter. One of the reasons why catalytic converters are included in cars is to reduce air pollution. For example, if not fixed, the converter may overheat and eventually cause the engine to shut down.

If it is missing, it means that harmful chemicals will be released into the air. Catalytic converters are made from small amounts of palladium, rhodium, and platinum, which are valuable metals among scrap metal dealers.

In case it is stolen , you should replace it as soon as possible, given that the US Clean Air Act requires that all cars manufactured after should have catalytic converters installed.