These days, most states have strict emission laws. That means while on the road, your catalytic converter needs to be properly cleaning your exhaust fumes. If you ever notice any of the following seven signs of car trouble, check your catalytic converter, or cat, first. You might need to visit your local Jeep dealer to have your converter fixed or even replaced.
Falling Gas Mileage
When the delicate meshwork inside a cat breaks apart or becomes clogged up, the flow of air and fumes often become inhibited. This backs up the airflow and prevents your engine from drawing in enough fresh oxygen. As a result, your air-starved cylinders will no longer be packing as much punch for each gallon of gas, and your fuel economy will fall.
Have Your Local Dodge Dealer Diagnose the Problem
Reduced gas mileage might be caused by a variety of other things. This includes a clogged air filter, a faulty sensor, malfunctioning ignition coils, or damaged spark plugs. It’s best to have a qualified technician diagnose the problem for you.
Weak Acceleration
When a clogged cat inhibits airflow, your engine will also lose power. You’ll soon find that you can’t accelerate as rapidly as before. This can be perilous when trying to overtake another vehicle.
Misfiring Engine
The fuel-air mixture inside the combustion chambers will become unbalanced. This means too much fuel is being injected. The excess fuel can damage the spark plugs, coating them in corrosive soot.
These damaged spark plugs will soon begin to misfire. You’ll hear your engine sputtering and feel it juddering, most noticeably when you’re resting in idle.
Black Exhaust Smoke
The excess unburned fuel in an oxygen-starved engine eventually starts to escape through the exhaust system. You’ll see it come out of your tailpipe in the form of thick black smoke.
Rotten Egg Stench
One of the toxic fumes your cat is supposed to clean has a sulfury rotten egg smell. If your cat stops doing its job, you’ll soon smell this stinky gas, even from inside the cabin.
Rattling Sounds
When a converter is jolted by a pothole or some other obstacle on the road, the meshwork inside can break apart. The cat itself might be knocked loose in its harness. In either case, you’ll hear a metallic rattling from below as you drive.
Check Engine Light
Any cat problems will quickly be picked up by the sensitive sensors throughout your car. You’ll see the check engine warning light come to life on your instrument panel. This light should prompt you to visit your local dealership right away, as you never know how serious the cause might be.
Have your catalytic converter examined and repaired today at Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Delaware. We provide excellent vehicles along with quick and courteous service – schedule an appointment with us today!
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