A catalytic converter is a device that converts the harmful fumes produced by a car engine into less harmful gases.
Catalytic converters don’t fail on their own. Usually, its failure is a symptom of a larger problem. This is why it is important to identify the root cause of the failure and perform the repair prior to installing a new converter.
Typically, converter failures fall under one of the following categories:
- Physical damage due to corrosion, or from the converter contacting a large object on the road surface.
- Contamination - due to excessive oil consumption, internal coolant leak, or excessive carbon build up.
- Melted substrate - due to engine misfires which lead to excessive converter temperatures.
- Thermo quenching - hot converter is cold quenched when driving through deep water or into deep snow.
- Converter aging/lack of engine maintenance - cycles of damaging engine conditions will eventually deteriorate converter performance.
A failing catalytic converter is not uncommon at all. Therefore, so it’s important to know the signs of a problem with your catalytic converter so that you can spot them immediately and take the vehicle to an automotive technician.
Signs to Watch Out For:
- Engine misfiring
- Reduced acceleration
- Dark exhaust smoke
- The smell of sulfur or rotten eggs from the exhaust
- Excessive heat under the vehicle
Our service team at Right Way Auto Repair is fully trained on how to inspect and repair catalytic converters on all types of vehicles. To schedule an appointment, please contact us online or call us at (905) 381-9285. Our experts will ensure your catalytic converter is operating the way it should