Many things can happen when the catalytic converter gets clogged. The catalytic converter is the exhaust system part that treats the exhaust before it is released out of the tailpipe. Accurate Auto Center advises that a catalytic converter generally lasts 10 years. If you drive an automobile that is older than that and notice any of the following problems, it’s possible that your catalytic converter is clogged.
Acceleration Lag
When the catalytic converter clogs, the exhaust cannot exit the combustion chamber. Rather, it remains in the chamber and impedes new combustion. Unfortunately, if your engine is struggling to produce combustion, it will be difficult to get your vehicle to accelerate no matter how hard you press down on the accelerator.
Performance Lag
You will also notice that your engine’s performance will lag. Again, this is because the combustion chamber is filled with exhaust that should have been removed by the exhaust system. If the catalytic converter is clogged, the exhaust will not make it past the converter. Consequently, your engine performance will lag until you replace the catalytic converter.
Reduced Fuel Economy
Naturally, this will reduce your vehicle’s fuel economy significantly. Any time the engine struggles to produce combustion it burns more fuel. Consequently, you will find yourself at the service station filling the tank more often than you normally do.
Dark Exhaust Smoke
The catalytic converter may release some exhaust if it isn’t clogged completely, but there’s a strong chance that this exhaust will not be treated. When this happens, you will see dark exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe. This is an indication that the catalytic converter was unable to clean the harmful hydrocarbons out of the exhaust.
Foul-Smelling Exhaust
The catalytic converter can get clogged with sulfur deposits. When the hot exhaust flows over the sulfur deposits, a rotten egg smell fills the exhaust. Unfortunately, it’s easy to detect this foul-smelling odor. You may also smell this odor in the engine and underneath your automobile.
Overheating Engine
Finally, the catalytic converter can make your engine overheat because when it is malfunctioning, it will generate too much heat. Even though the converter is located underneath your automobile, the excess heat rises into the engine and increases its operating temperature. This can make your engine overheat every time you drive your car, truck, or utility vehicle.
Accurate Auto Center in Tomball, TX, is happy to inspect your catalytic converter and replace it if necessary. Call us today.