Air purity and quality have become major causes of concern, with the government coming down quite hard on the automotive industry. Generally, vehicle exhaust systems release a wide range of emissions (gases and fumes) when running, contributing to air pollution. Consequently, most governments hold vehicles to specific emission standards to control these pollutants. Since 1975, it was declared mandatory for all road-legal cars in the US to have a catalytic converter regulated by the Clean Air Act.
So, What is a Catalytic Converter?
A catalytic converter looks like a big metal box located between the muffler and the engine on the underside of your vehicle. It is a part of the car's exhaust system and plays a crucial role in cleaning up the harmful gases such as hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide that are produced when your vehicle runs. The harmful emissions are transformed into harmless gases such as water vapor and CO2 before they are emitted into the atmosphere. Generally, catalytic converters convert up to 90 percent of the harmful gases into environmentally friendly gases.
Do Catalytic Converters Fail?
In most cases, your vehicle's catalytic converter will last a lifetime. But like other car components, the cat can sometimes fail and must be repaired. Most of the catalytic converter issues emanate from the engine. The cat might fail when excess fuel makes its way into the exhaust system due to bad spark plugs, incorrect fuel-air mixture, failed oxygen sensor, and wrong engine timing, among other issues. In such cases, your cat will reach extreme temperatures, which ultimately melts its internal temperature.
Tell-tale Signs of a Failing Catalytic Converter
- A weird, rotten egg smell emanating from the exhaust
- Poor acceleration
- Check engine light comes on
- Rattling noise
- Failed emission test
How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Problems
Preventing catalytic converter problems before they arise is a great idea. For instance, burning coolant and misfiring engines can translate to significant catalytic converter problems. Therefore correcting these problems before serious damage to the catalytic converter will save you much money and frustration while on the road. Here are three ways through which you can prevent catalytic converter problems:
- Keeping up with scheduled maintenance
- Changing your car spark plugs every 50000 miles
- Driving your vehicle on the way up to twenty minutes daily
If you suspect any issue with your catalytic converter and need auto repair service, do not hesitate to bring your car to County Line Auto Service - Youngsville today!