It takes approximately 10 years for the catalytic converter to get clogged. The things that clog the catalytic converter include carbon and sulfur deposits. These things are deposited inside the catalytic converter when it treats your vehicle exhaust for release out of the tailpipe. If your vehicle is having any of the following problems, you may need a new catalytic converter.
Reduced Performance
A clogged catalytic converter will reduce your engine’s performance because exhaust will build up inside of the engine. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid this because the exhaust cannot get past the catalytic converter. Consequently, it will build up inside of the engine and affect combustion.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency
This effect to the engine’s combustion will reduce how efficiently your engine burns fuel. Unfortunately, it will reduce the fuel efficiency and leave you heading to the service station more often. The clogged catalytic converter may also indirectly cause the engine control unit to add fuel to the combustion chamber. This, too, will increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption.
Black Exhaust Smoke
It will also create black exhaust smoke that you might see flowing out of the tailpipe if the catalytic converter is not clogged completely. The color of this exhaust not only points to the fact that you have excess fuel burning in the combustion chamber but also that the exhaust is not treated.
Exhaust That Stinks
We mentioned above that one of the deposits that clog the catalytic converter is sulfur. Unfortunately, the exhaust that flows into the catalytic converter is extremely hot. When it makes contact with the sulfur, the sulfur releases a rancid egg odor that you will be able to smell in your vehicle’s exhaust.
Hot Undercarriage
In addition, your undercarriage will get too hot because the catalytic converter will release excess heat. If you are standing next to your automobile, you may be able to feel the heat coming from the undercarriage. In addition, your engine may overheat if the heat enters it.
Illuminated CEL
Finally, there is no dashboard warning light for the catalytic converter. As such, the engine control unit will turn on the check engine light if the catalytic converter is clogged. This light will stay on until you have the catalytic converter replaced and restore your engine’s performance.
Give us a call today if you are having any of the problems listed above. We will inspect your catalytic converter and replace it if your automobile needs a new one.
