How can you tell if your catalytic converter is bad?
This article answers the question, how can you tell if your catalytic converter is bad? What does a catalytic converter do, is it safe to drive with a bad catalytic converter?
- Smells: Rotten Eggs, Sulfer, Fumes, Smoke
- Dark Smoke or Increased Exhaust
- Engine Misfiring : Clogs in the converter can cause gas to get trapped causing misfires. Engine misfires could be several issues, one other common reason for engine misfiring: Bad Spark Plugs, Broken Alternators. Ask your Truman’s Mechanic why your engine is misfiring.
- Engine Coolant Leak
- Difficulty Starting
- Misfiring Spark Plugs
- Failed Oxygen Sensors
- The Check Engine light is on
- Poor Acceleration
What does a catalytic converter do?
A catalytic converter cleans the exhaust air. The converter takes harmful fumes from your engine’s exhaust and burns them up to reduce these emissions and improve efficiency. It separates Nitrogen and oxygen trapping nitrogen in the converter and releasing oxygen. The oxidation catalyst happens by burning leftover chemicals such as carbon monoxide.
How long do catalytic converters last?
Catalytic converters last 10 years or around 100,000 miles.
Does my car have a catalytic converter?
If your car has an engine and was made after 1975 yes! If your car was made before the 1970’s or if your car is a fully electric vehicle then it does not have a catalytic converter. Electric vehicles do not have engines, therefore they do not produce exhaust.
Is it safe to drive with a broken catalytic converter?
No. Breathing carbon monoxide and other harmful chemicals from your car can cause permanent health damage.
What happens if I drive with a broken catalytic converter?
Driving without a catalytic converter can choke up the engine, plug the exhaust, lower the fuel economy, and overall hurt the engine.
Can my car drive without a catalytic converter?
Yes. Your vehicle can drive without it.
Is it legal to drive without a catalytic converter?
In some areas, such as California, it’s illegal to drive without a catalytic converter due to the chemicals from the exhaust. You could risk $250-$10,000 in fines. Make sure to talk with your mechanic before driving with a broken catalytic converter.