The Importance Of Working With The Right Mechanic

A catalytic converter is a part that is designed to last for a long time. However, they don't last forever. If you are driving an older vehicle, there is always a risk that your catalytic converter may fail. The catalytic converter is what controls exhaust emissions. It ensures that the toxic gases that your vehicle creates are turned into less harmful fumes before they come out of your car. 

Sign #1: Black Exhaust 

You shouldn't notice the exhaust coming out of your vehicle because it shouldn't be noticeable. If the exhaust coming out of your vehicle is noticeable and black, that is a sign of a severe issue with your vehicle. That means that your catalytic converter is not properly treating your vehicle's exhaust. If your catalytic converter is not treating the exhaust that your car is creating, the exhaust coming out will be black. If the exhaust is black, then your converter has completely failed.  

Sign #2: Overheating Vehicle 

A bad catalytic converter can easily overheat. As it is located on the underside of your vehicle, the heat from the bad catalytic converter can rise, damaging the underside of your vehicle. The heat from your converter can rise and cause your engine to overheat. Your engine has mechanisms in place to protect it from internal heat, not from external heat, which is why an overheating converter can be so damaging. 

Sign #3: Rough Acceleration 

With a vehicle, everything is connected. The exhaust from your engine is transferred to the combustion chamber, and then that gas goes through the catalytic converter and eventually out of the exhaust from the rear end of your vehicle.  

The exhaust gas can get stuck in the combustion chamber if the converter is clogged up and not working right. This can cause your vehicle to lag when you press on the gas and accelerate. All engine parts have to work together to keep your vehicle running properly. If your car isn't getting up to speed as it should, the catalytic converter could be the issue. 

Sign #4: Bad Smells 

When your catalytic converter is not working correctly, it will create a bad smell. The smell that it makes will smell similar to rotten eggs. You may be able to smell this odor when you are both inside and outside of your vehicle. If you notice that your car is smelling like rotten eggs or something else that is unpleasant, your catalytic converter is more than likely dying and will need to be replaced. 

If your vehicle is exhibiting any of the warning signs above, let your mechanic know what you see and inspect your vehicle. If your catalytic converter is failing, you will need to replace it. You need a properly functioning converter to continue to drive your vehicle.  

For more information. contact a car repair service.