Signs Your Catalytic Converter May Need To Be Replaced
The catalytic converter is a part on your car that is designed specifically to reduce emissions and pollutants that cars emit. One of the ways that many automobile owners find out that their catalytic converter is bad is when they go to have a smog or emissions test and fail. However, your catalytic converter will give you many signs that it may be nearing the end of its lifespan or failing prior to you failing an emissions test. Here are a few of the signs that you may need to replace this part on your automobile.
You Smell or See Exhaust Fumes or Smoke When You Start Up Your Car
One of the signs that may be indicative of a catalytic converter issue is seeing or smelling exhaust smoke upon starting up your car. The smoke may be white or black, depending on the age of your car, how clean the engine and oil is, and how severe the catalytic converter issues are. You may also smell the exhaust, which may smell like gas or like sulfur. If you routinely see smoke or smell fumes when you start up your car, the catalytic converter may be to blame.
Your Car Seems Sluggish, Especially Upon Starting or Accelerating
Another sign that your catalytic converter may need to be replaced is your car acting sluggish, especially when you start your car or accelerate. Does it take your car a few seconds to really turn on and get going when you start your car? Or does your car seem to hesitate slightly when you step on the gas and try to get going? A cracked catalytic converter can cause both issues.
Your Check Engine Light Comes On
Finally, if you have a newer automobile, the check engine light may come on if your catalytic converter is beginning to fail or is not working at all. A check engine light indicates problems not only with the engine, but with the emissions systems as well, which includes the catalytic converter. An auto repair shop can run a diagnostics test to determine why the light is on.
A catalytic converter replacement is a major automobile repair. This is not a repair that those who are unfamiliar with vehicles should attempt to make on their own. If your car is giving you any signs that the catalytic converter may be going bad, bring your vehicle in to an auto repair shop. They can test out the part and see if yours is at the end of its lifespan or not. From there, they can replace a failing catalytic converter for you, so you will not have to worry about failing a smog or emissions test.
If you are having car troubles, then you may want to call an auto repair shop today to schedule an appointment.