There are a lot of symptoms of catalytic converter problems, but without the proper knowledge, they can be difficult to place. If you suspect there’s something wrong with your catalytic converter, it’s always best to bring your vehicle to your automotive repair shop in Madison, TN. But it can also be helpful to you and your mechanic if you understand the basic warning signs of catalytic converter issues. Here’s a rundown of some of the symptoms your car might be putting out when its catalytic converter is damaged, broken or not working properly:
- Changes in your exhaust: The purpose of a catalytic converter is to take dangerous, toxic gases and turn them into compounds that are safe for your car to emit. If your car is producing more exhaust than usual, or the exhaust is darker than it normally is, your catalytic converter probably isn’t working correctly. Routine maintenance and using the proper type of gas for your vehicle can reduce the chances of this happening, but a catalytic converter can still give out or become too polluted. If you’re noticing changes in your exhaust, bring your car by your local auto repair shop as soon as you get a chance, so that you can protect both your car and the environment.
- Poor engine performance: If your car feels less powerful and fails to go as fast as it should be able to, there’s a good chance your catalytic converter is somehow off. Jerkiness during acceleration is another common sign that your catalytic converter is affecting your car’s performance. Have your mechanic check under your hood and decide if the catalytic converter needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Bad smell: When it comes to problems with your catalytic converter, the nose does not lie. If you’re noticing a rotten egg, sulfuric smell during or after driving, that’s probably a sign that your catalytic converter is failing to turn toxic gases into benign ones. This smelly exhaust is bad for your health and the environment, so don’t delay in seeking a mechanic’s advice.
- Fewer miles per gallon: One thing that’s hard to ignore is spending more and more money on gas each week. If your car is eating up more gas than it used to, that’s likely because your catalytic converter is having a negative effect on engine performance. Though car problems can be tempting to ignore, keep in mind that paying to have a professional auto mechanic fix the catalytic converter will cost less in the long run than paying more and more for gas as the condition gets worse.
Catalytic converters aren’t very big, but they play a crucial role in making your car run smoothly, efficiently and cleanly. Only a licensed automotive repair shop in Madison, TN can determine for certain what’s wrong with your catalytic converter. That said, using these symptoms as a guide for diagnosing your catalytic converter problem will give you a leg up in talking to your mechanic, and help them to solve the issue more quickly.