If there is a noticeable difference in how your vehicle accelerates, you might have a clogged catalytic converter, especially if your automobile is 10 years old or older. Speed Auto Repair can inspect the converter and replace it if necessary. One of the things that will happen when the catalytic converter malfunctions is you will end up with lagging vehicle acceleration. This is just one sign that the converter needs to be replaced. Here are other signs.
Sluggish Engine
Your acceleration isn’t the only thing that will become sluggish. Unfortunately, your engine’s performance will also lag because the combustion chamber is filling up with the exhaust that cannot get past the clogged converter and out of the exhaust system. This affects your engine’s performance because it affects the engine’s combustion.
Poor Gas Mileage
As if a sluggish engine weren’t enough, your automobile will also see a reduction in its gas mileage. This is because the engine is struggling to perform and, as such, burning more fuel in the process. Replacing the clogged converter will restore your engine’s performance and gas mileage.
Dark Exhaust Smoke
You might also end up with dark exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe. This is a sign that the converter is unable to treat the exhaust. The dark exhaust is also a sign that the engine is burning excess fuel to produce power.
Rancid Exhaust
What is worse is that the exhaust may smell like rotten eggs. This is because the converter is clogged with sulfur deposits that release a rotten egg odor when they get hot. Hot exhaust heats up the sulfur and, poof, you end up with exhaust that smells rancid.
Excessive Heat
A clogged and malfunctioning catalytic converter can also produce excessive heat. Although this heat originates under your car, it can make its way up into the engine. Consequently, the catalytic converter may indirectly cause your engine to overheat when you drive your automobile.
Check Engine Light
Finally, you may end up with an illuminated check engine light on the dashboard because a system sensor has sent an error code to the engine control module. A common reason why check engine lights come on is clogged catalytic converters.
Call Speed Auto Repair in Alpharetta and Roswell, GA, today to schedule a service visit for your automobile if it is having any of the problems listed above. Again, we can inspect the catalytic converter and replace it if necessary.