When operating as it should be, the catalytic converter will not affect your vehicle’s acceleration performance. If the catalytic converter is clogged or malfunctioning, however, you might notice a reduction in your vehicle’s ability to accelerate. Uptown Imports advises that the catalytic converter lasts about a decade before it needs to be replaced. If you drive an older import that is struggling to accelerate, the problem may be with the catalytic converter.
Sluggish Performance
Aside from acceleration lag, your import’s engine will also get sluggish, especially when you drive at higher speeds. This is likely being caused by clogs in the internal hive found in the catalytic converter. When the catalytic converter gets clogged, the exhaust stays in the combustion chamber rather than exiting out of the tailpipe. This affects your engine’s ability to produce combustion.
Dark Engine Exhaust
Another sign that your catalytic converter is going bad is if you see dark exhaust smoke coming out of the tailpipe. This color suggests that the exhaust is untreated. In other words, the catalytic converter has not processed the exhaust to make it safe for release through the tailpipe. Unfortunately, your vehicle will fail an emissions test if your state has them if the catalytic converter is malfunctioning.
Burning Sulfur Odors
You might also smell burning sulfur in your vehicle’s exhaust and the engine bay if the catalytic converter is going out. These odors will remind you of rotten eggs. This odor is distinctive and easy to catch. This is not only a sign of a faulty catalytic converter but also a sign of untreated engine exhaust. This can make driving your car dangerous if the exhaust makes its way inside.
Excessive Heat
The catalytic converter can also produce excessive heat underneath your automobile if it is having problems. Unfortunately, this heat will head up into your engine and cause your engine to overheat, as well. In fact, an engine that overheats constantly is a sign that the catalytic converter is going bad.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, your vehicle’s main computer chip may turn on the check engine light when the catalytic converter starts to malfunction. This is your final sign that there is something wrong with your automobile. In this case, the problem is the catalytic converter. The only way to get your check engine light to turn off is to replace the catalytic converter.
We can do that here at Uptown Imports in Minneapolis, MN, so give us a call today. We are the only auto shop you need for your import.