Catalytic Converter Issues? Why You Should Not Wait To Fix Your Car

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The catalytic converter is there to properly dispose of some of the detrimental gases that your vehicle produces while it is running. Catalytic converter issues are often overlooked because the car usually drives relatively normal.

But doing so would be a mistake, and the following guide will help you learn why you should not wait to fix a catalytic converter and signs of bad one.

Why Is A Faulty Catalytic Converter Dangerous?

A faulty or clogged catalytic converter can be dangerous to you and your vehicle for the following reasons:

1. The first and most obvious danger that a faulty catalytic converter creates deals with the harmful emissions that might be released. A good catalytic converter uses its platinum, rhodium, and other components to convert harmful gases into neutral ones.

The gases that it converts includes carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. When the catalytic converter is faulty, these gases will no longer be converted and could indeed cause you harm. Carbon monoxide, for example, can cause headaches, confusion, and erratic emotional changes.

2. The second reason you want to make sure you take care of your catalytic converter issue is because it can lead to overheating. Some of your vehicle's hoses could eventually burst due to a faulty catalytic converter. But, that is not all, because your catalytic converter can make your transmission work harder than it needs to.

And the back pressure could also overheat the transmission fluid, which can permanently damage your transmission. A bad transmission can be very costly to you.

These dangers are just some of the problems associated with a bad catalytic converter. But how do you know if the issue is your catalytic converter?

Signs of a Bad Catalytic Converter

Check for the following signs:

• You may see that your car is running hotter than usual on your temperature gauge.
• There may be a faint-to-strong scent of rotten eggs coming from your vehicle. 
• The back pressure created by a clogged catalytic converter may cause problems while accelerating. This might be more obvious when you are going up a hill. The problem may be so bad that you will lose power to the point that your car might seem like its going to stall.
• The bad catalytic converter will make your car work harder than it needs to and will cause your engine to heat up fuel faster than usual. 
• Your car will most likely fail the emissions test. 
• There may be rattling sounds coming from under your vehicle while idling or driving.

Be sure to talk to your auto care specialist if you suspect a problem with your catalytic converter because waiting may cost you time and money. To learn more, contact a company like Slipstream Autocare with any questions you have.

7 April 2015