Catalytic Converter

How a failing Catalytic Converter affects your car’s performance

Underneath your car and you’ll notice what looks like multiple mufflers underneath. The one closest to your car’s engine is the catalytic converter, which is tasked with neutralizing the harmful pollutants found in exhaust gases before passing them through the rest of the exhaust. Its job is a silent, thankless one, but also one that results in cleaner air and improved overall performance.
Catalytic converters can suffer early failure for a variety of reasons despite them being intended to last the life time of the car. Multiple misfires, physical damage, and the failure of other emissions-related systems can cut your catalytic converter’s lifespan short. The resultant aftermath of a failed catalytic converter can cause the overall performance of the car to suffer.

Emissions Test Failure
An ailing catalytic converter will allow harmful pollutants to pass through the exhaust system unscathed, putting your vehicle outside the allowable limits for most emissions tests. A bad catalytic converter will almost always guarantee a failed emissions test.
An ailing catalytic converter can also be a roadblock to renewed registration. In South Africa we do not have a regular regime of vehicle emissions testing for most of these vehicles. For 80% of the vehicles on our roads, roadworthy testing and certification is only required on change of ownership.

Why is my car experiencing Lack of Power?
You might notice that your car doesn’t have the same powder that it should have, this could be a symptom of a failing catalytic converter. Acceleration will be a bit more sluggish, and it takes longer to reach safe driving speeds. Overtaking other vehicles will take longer, which could prove a dangerous disadvantage on two-lane roads. This is because catalytic converter has become clogged as starting to fail, which will prevent gases from freely passing through the exhaust system.
This unexpected obstruction also adds back pressure to the engine, throwing off its air/fuel ratio and making it run poorly. A clogged catalytic converter can even cause your vehicle to stall. Having your catalytic converter replaced as soon as possible will increase your car’s performance.

Why is my car experiencing Poor Fuel Economy?
A bad catalytic converter can also cause you to lose out when it comes to fuel economy. Your car’s engine will work harder to overcome the symptoms of a bad catalytic converter and use more fuel in the process. As a result, you’ll notice a steady decline in your vehicle’s average fuel economy the longer you drive your vehicle with a bad catalytic converter.

Why is my car not Starting?
Under extreme cases, a failed catalytic converter can become so clogged up that the resulting exhaust backpressure prevents your engine from starting. You may encounter this issue if you drive your vehicle with a bad catalytic converter long enough.
In short, a bad catalytic converter can do more than just smell like rotten eggs. You’ll also lose the performance and fuel efficiency that you’re used to getting, and it can even leave you stranded on the side of the road.
BD Auto Car Service Centre in Cape Town is the car service company that will provide more information to any problems relating to the catalytic convertor of you car.